How to become a notary in Idaho
Would you like to become a notary in Idaho? You’ve come to the right place. This short, concise article will guide you through the entire process. In order to become a notary public in Idaho, you must fit several criteria. You must be at least 18 years old, have the ability to read and write English, be a resident in Idaho or work in Idaho, and have not been removed from your appointment as a notary or been convicted of serious crime within the last ten years. If you meet these requirements you should have no problem applying to become a notary in Idaho.
The state of Idaho has a unique application process that is different from many states. The main difference is that your notary stamp must be purchased before sending in the application. The stamp can be purchased at many office supply stores. The state is very particular about what can be placed on the stamp, but it is very simple. The stamp must include the words “Notary Public”, “State of Idaho” and the notary’s name and nothing else. There will be a place to put a sample of the stamp’s seal on the application.
A notary bond must also be purchased before applying. The bond should be for $10,000 and can be purchased from a bonding or surety company.
The application can be found on the Idaho Secretary of State’s website. The notary public manual and application are a part of the same pdf file. The state highly recommends reading through the notary public manual before becoming a notary. I love this quote at the beginning of the manual, “It could cost you, as a notary public, a great deal of money and embarrassment not to read this handbook. It may not be Hemingway or Michener, but it may be the most valuable few minutes of reading time you have ever spent.”
Send all materials including the application, the $10,000 bond and a $30 application fee to:
Secretary of State
PO Box 83720
450 N 4th Street
Boise ID 83720-0080
The Secretary of State’s office should contact you within a few weeks to let you know that status of your application. If accepted you will be sent a notary commission and are legal to perform notarial acts in Idaho.