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Notary Requirements for Utah: 2025 Updated

by Ben Camerota
Bryce Canyon Utah

This guide covers becoming and renewing as a Utah Notary Public, based on official state sources as of May 2025. It includes eligibility, application, bond, seal, oath, remote notarization, and FAQs.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Utah notary public commission, an applicant must:

  • Age and Status: Be at least 18 years old; a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.

  • Residency/Employment: Lawfully reside in Utah OR be employed in Utah for at least 30 days immediately before applying, and maintain this status.

  • Language: Able to read, write, and understand English.

  • Character: No disqualifying criminal convictions (dishonesty/moral turpitude). A background check is required.

  • Exam: Pass Utah’s online notary exam.

  • Bond: Obtain a $5,000 surety bond.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Notary Office may deny applications if qualifications aren't met.

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Application Process for New Notary Commission

Utah’s process is online via the Lieutenant Governor’s Notary Public portal.

  1. Study for Exam: Review Utah Notary Public Study Guide and Utah Code Title 46-1.

  2. Create Notary Application Account: On notary.utah.gov. Register with the name for your commission/bond.

  3. Take and Pass Online Exam: 35 multiple-choice questions (65 points total); need 61 to pass. $95 testing/administration fee before submission. Results are immediate. Retakes within 30 days cost $40 per attempt.

  4. Complete Background Check: Authorize via the online system after passing the exam. The Lt. Governor’s office receives results directly.

  5. Obtain $5,000 Notary Bond: 4-year term from an authorized surety. Cost is around $50. Bond start date becomes commission start date.

  6. Complete Oath of Office: Usually provided by bond issuer. Sign before another notary (who notarizes your oath).

  7. Upload Documents & Submit Application: Return to online portal. Upload electronic copies of:

    • Original $5,000 bond (signed by you and surety).

    • Notarized Oath of Office.

    • Any requested criminal history documentation. Once bond/oath are uploaded, application is considered complete. Processing: 1-2 weeks.

  8. Receive Commission Certificate: Emailed by Lt. Governor’s Office (Certificate of Authority of Notary Public). Shows commission ID, start/end dates. Print and safeguard. Needed to order notary seal.

Surety Bond

A $5,000 surety bond for the 4-year commission term is mandatory.

  • Purpose: Protects the public from financial harm due to improper notarization. Notary reimburses surety for paid claims.

  • Provider: Utah-authorized surety company.

  • Cost: ~$50 per 4-year term.

  • Dates: Bond effective date becomes commission start date. For renewals, ensure new bond starts after current commission expires.

  • Oath: Usually included with bond form; must be notarized.

  • Filing: Uploaded to Lt. Governor’s office with application. No county filing.

  • E&O Insurance: Optional, protects the notary personally.

Notary Seal and Journal Requirements

Notary Seal (Official Stamp): Mandatory; authenticate all official acts. Purchase after receiving commission certificate.

  • Specifications (U.C.A. §46-1-16):

    1. Name (exactly as on commission).

    2. “Notary Public.”

    3. “State of Utah.”

    4. “My Commission Expires on [MM/DD/YYYY]” (expiration date).

    5. Commission number.

    6. Facsimile of the Great Seal of Utah.

  • Format: Rectangular border, no larger than 1" x 2½".

  • Ink Color: Purple ink for traditional paper notarizations. Electronic seals typically rendered in black. Must be sharp, clear, reproducible.

  • Vendor Proof: Provide vendor with copy of commission certificate and a notarized declaration to order seal.

  • Embossers: Optional, supplementary to ink stamp, not in place of it.

  • Security: Notary's exclusive responsibility. Affix near signature, not obscuring text.

Notary Journal:

  • Traditional Notarizations: Optional but strongly recommended by Lt. Governor’s Office. A permanently bound, paper journal with numbered pages is advised. Record: date/time, act type, document description, signer name/ID, signer's signature, fee.

  • Electronic Journal (RON): Mandatory for Remote Online Notaries. Secure electronic journal recording each remote act. Platform often provides this.

  • Retention: Retain completed journals securely for several years post-commission.

Oath of Office and Recording the Commission

  • Oath: Constitutional oath, usually with bond paperwork. Signed before another notary, then uploaded to state with application.

  • Recording/Submission: Lt. Governor’s Office is central authority. No county clerk filing. Commission effective on start date in certificate.

Commission Term and Expiration

  • Term: Four (4) years from effective start date (on certificate and seal).

  • Authority: Statewide jurisdiction.

  • Expiration: Ceases at midnight on expiration date. No grace period for notarizing.

  • End of Commission: Destroy notary seal and commission certificate. Retain journals.

  • Resignation: Submit resignation form to Lt. Governor’s Office. Destroy seal.

Commission Renewal Process

Essentially the same as new application.

  1. Prepare: Start 1-2 months before expiration.

  2. Take Notary Exam Again: Mandatory for renewals ($95 fee). Study latest materials.

  3. Obtain New Bond: New 4-year, $5,000 bond, effective day after current commission expires.

  4. Complete Renewal Application Online: Via Lt. Governor’s Notary system. Update info, pass exam, pay fee, upload new bond and new notarized Oath of Office. Authorize background check.

  5. Await Approval/Certificate: New Certificate of Authority emailed.

  6. Obtain New Notary Seal: Required for new commission with new expiration date.

If commission lapses, reapply as new; cannot notarize during gap.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Utah

Requires separate remote notary certification.

  • Prerequisite: Current Utah notary in good standing.

  • Application for Remote Notary Certification:

    • Complete Remote Notary Application Form: From Notary Office website.

    • Choose Approved RON Vendor: Use state-approved platform (list on Lt. Governor’s site).

    • Increase Bond to $10,000: Obtain bond rider increasing current bond OR purchase additional $5,000 bond for remote acts.

    • Obtain Electronic Seal & Digital Signature: Via RON platform.

    • Submit Application Package: Email form, proof of $10k bond, e-seal/e-signature files to [email protected]

    • Pay RON Application Fee: $50.00 (Notary Office emails payment instructions).

    • Confirmation: Lt. Governor’s Office approves and updates status.

  • RON Responsibilities:

    • Use real-time two-way audio-visual communication.

    • Perform identity proofing (KBA, credential analysis via platform).

    • Notary must be physically in Utah; signer can be anywhere.

    • Electronic journal mandatory; A/V recording of session retained (e.g., 5 years per U.C.A. §46-1-14).

    • Fees: Max $25 per remote notarial act.

  • RON Authorization Expiration: Expires with notary commission; renew concurrently.

Official Resources

  • Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Notary Public Office: notary.utah.gov (portal, forms, study guide, FAQs).

  • Utah Notary Public Study Guide: Comprehensive PDF handbook on state website.

  • Utah Code Title 46, Chapter 1 (Notaries Public Reform Act): State laws (le.utah.gov).

  • Approved Remote Notary Vendors List: On notary.utah.gov.

  • Contact Notary Office: Email [email protected] Phone (801) 538-1041.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does it cost to become a notary in Utah?

A: A total of $180-$210

  • State fee $95 (application/exam).
  • Bond ~$50. Seal ~$20-$30.
  • Journal (optional for traditional) ~$10-$15.
  • Oath notarization ~$5-$10.

Q: How long is a notary commission in Utah and when does it expire?

A: Four (4) years. Expires at midnight on date on certificate/seal. No grace period.

Q: What is the process to renew my notary commission in Utah?

A: Same as new: Retake exam ($95 fee), new $5k bond, new oath, online application, upload docs. Get new seal with new expiration.

Q: Are Utah notaries required to keep a journal of notarial acts?

A: Optional but highly recommended for traditional notarizations. Mandatory electronic journal for Remote Online Notaries.

Q: How much can a notary charge for notarizations in Utah?

A: Max $10.00 per act/signature (traditional/in-person electronic). Max $25.00 per act (Remote Online Notarization). Immigration forms: $10 total per individual. Display fee schedule. Travel fees separate, by prior agreement.

Q: What if I fail the notary exam? Can I take it again?

A: Yes. Retake within 30 days for $40. After 30 days, new application and full $95 fee.

Q: How do I update my name or address on my notary commission?

A: Notify Lt. Governor’s Office within 30 days.

  • Address: Online or email Address Change form (no fee).
  • Name Change: Provide legal proof, bond rider for new name. State issues updated certificate. Get new seal.

Q: What should I do if my notary seal is lost or stolen?

A: Immediately notify Lt. Governor’s Notary Office by email or phone. They will advise on replacement (possibly new seal with distinction or new commission number). Consider police report for theft.

Q: Can I perform notarizations for signers who are outside of Utah or notarize documents from other states?

A:

  • Traditional: Notary and signer must be in Utah. Document origin/destination doesn't matter.
  • RON: Notary must be in Utah; signer can be anywhere globally.

Q: What are the most common mistakes to avoid as a new notary?

A: Failing to require personal appearance, inadequate ID, incomplete certificates, incorrect notarial wording, unclear seal, notarizing with conflict of interest, or giving legal advice.

Always consult official Utah Lt. Governor's Office resources for the most current information.

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