How to become a notary in Arkansas

Want to be a notary public in Arkansas? This article will guide you through the process to apply as well as outline the eligibility requirements to become a notary in ‘The Natural State”. To be eligible to be a notary public in Arkansas you must be a legal resident of Arkansas or a resident of an adjacent state while working in Arkansas, be a US citizen or permanent resident alien, be 18 years of age, be able to read and write English, and have not had a prior notary commission revoked in the last 10 years.

The application process to become a notary public in Arkansas is fairly simple. Arkansas requires a $7500 bond to be purchased. A copy of this bond must be sent along with the application. A bond can be purchased from your own insurance agent or a list of companies that sell bonds can be found on the website for Arkansas’ Secretary of State. The application form to be filled out can also be found on that website. The application must be filled out completely and sent along with the bond and a check or money order of $20 made payable to “Secretary of State”. The application needs to be notarized.

Once the application packet of both the copy of the bond and the application form is sent in, the office of the Secretary of State will send three original documents of the Notary Public Certificate/ Notary Public Oath forms. One of these forms must be taken to the Circuit Clerk of the county of your residence. Your original bond (not a copy as was sent with the application) must also be taken to the Circuit Clerk. You will complete your oath of office at the office of Circuit Clerk. Once this is completed the Circuit Clerk or you must return a completed Notary Public Certificate/ Notary Public Oath form to the Secretary of State’s office. Who returns this form depends on the county.

Once it is received you will be issued your notary wallet card and you are free to practice as a notary public in Arkansas. If you have more questions or want to learn more information visit the Secretary of State’s website. Good luck!