Quick Facts
Commission Term
10 years
Bond
$7,500
Application Fee
$20
Issuing Authority
Arkansas Secretary of State
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
No caps
What makes Arkansas distinctive
- Arkansas does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Arkansas's $20 application fee is among the lowest in the country (national median is $30).
- Arkansas's 10-year commission term is longer than the national median of 4 years, meaning fewer renewals over a notary's career.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
Arkansas does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- 10-year commission term (one of longest in nation - same as Colorado)
- Free online exam required (80% passing score) - accessible via SOS portal
- Journal NOT required by law (strongly recommended) - one of few states without journal requirement
- RON: NO separate registration required if already eNotary (unique - eNotary commission covers both IPEN and RON)
- $7,500 bond for 10-year term (lower than many states)
Regulatory Authority
Arkansas Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
ACA Title 21, Chapter 14
Notaries Public
ACA 21-14-101
Appointment and commission
ACA 21-14-104
Powers of notaries public
ACA 21-14-105
Acknowledgments
ACA 21-14-106
Copy certifications
ACA 21-14-111
Unlawful act - Penalty - Definition
ACA 21-14-112
Denial or revocation of notary public commission
ACA 21-6-309
Notaries public (fees)
ACA 21-14-301 through 21-14-314
Electronic Notary Public Act
ACA 21-14-308
Fees (eNotary)
ACA 21-14-309
Online notarization process
ACA 21-14-310
Electronic record of online notarial acts
Senate Bill 340/Act 1047 (2021)
Remote Online Notarization Authorization
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Arkansas?
A Arkansas notary public commission is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Arkansas Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Arkansas?
Arkansas charges $20 as the application fee to the Arkansas Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Arkansas require a notary bond?
Yes. Arkansas requires a notary surety bond of $7,500. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; it is purchased from a licensed surety company, not the state.
Is a notary journal required in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not legally require a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended for evidentiary protection in the event of a challenged signature.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Arkansas Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Arkansas notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Arkansas does not currently authorize remote online notarization. In-person notarization remains the only recognized method, though state law in this area changes rapidly — verify with the Arkansas Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Arkansas notaries use?
Arkansas notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Arkansas cap notary fees?
Arkansas does not set hard statutory maximums on notarial fees. No statutory fee caps per ACA 21-6-309; notary may charge reasonable fee as determined by notary; fee must be disclosed to and agreed upon by client/principal BEFORE executing notarial act; overcharging punishable by fine of at least $100 per offense
Who regulates notaries in Arkansas?
Arkansas notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Arkansas Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Arkansas authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Arkansas authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Arkansas notaries perform?
Arkansas notaries are authorized to perform 11 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Arkansas?
Start your application through the Arkansas Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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