Quick Facts
Commission Term
5 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$120
Issuing Authority
Connecticut Secretary of the State - Business Services Division via eLicense.ct.gov
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Connecticut distinctive
- Connecticut permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 47 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- Connecticut's $120 application fee is well above the national median of $30.
- Connecticut's 5-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
- thirdPartyVerificationSystem
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Authorized
Connecticut authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Connecticut notaries public are appointed by the Secretary of the State under Connecticut General Statutes §§ 3-91 through 3-97, with a 5-year commission term and no surety bond. The state sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act, and a notary journal is not required (though recommended). Connecticut authorizes remote online notarization — Connecticut has been deliberate about authorization compared with neighboring states. The current Connecticut notary compliance data covers the fee cap, journal rules, and the current RON posture.
Key Considerations
- 100% Exam Pass Requirement - UNIQUE: Must achieve perfect 100% score on written exam (most states allow 70-80%); open-book exam incorporated into application
- Handwritten Jurat and Writing Sample - UNIQUE: Must complete Jurat and Writing Sample in own handwriting; must write complete acknowledgment form, sworn affidavit form, oath administered to notaries; must be notarized before submission; tests handwriting and understanding
- Certificate of Character - UNIQUE ELEMENT: Required from unrelated person who has known applicant for 1+ year; must be completed by public official or reputable business/professional person
- No Bond Requirement - UNCOMMON: Connecticut does NOT require surety bond; notaries personally liable for errors; E&O insurance optional
- Optional Seal - UNCOMMON: Seal/stamp completely optional; most states require official seal; if not used, must type/print 'Notary Public' and expiration date near signature
Regulatory Authority
Connecticut 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.
CT Gen. Stat. § 3-94a
Notaries public; Definitions
CT Gen. Stat. § 3-94b
Appointment and qualifications of notary; Application fee; Certificate of appointment
CT Gen. Stat. § 3-94c
Term of office of notary; Recording of certificate and oath
CT Gen. Stat. § 3-94d
Reappointment of notary
CT Gen. Stat. § 3-94k
Notarial certificate; Notarial seal; Stamp
CT Gen. Stat. § 3-94l
Liability
CT Gen. Stat. § 3-94m
Warning, reprimand, revocation, suspension, resignation
CT Gen. Stat. § 3-95
Fees of notary
CT Gen. Stat. § 3-95a
Prohibition re notary offering or providing legal advice in immigration matters; Use of title of notario or notario publico
CT Gen. Stat. § 3-95b
Requirements and procedure re use of remote notarization; Regulations; Prohibitions on use of remote notarization
CT Gen. Stat. § 46b-22
Marriage solemnization (notaries NOT authorized)
CT Gen. Stat. §§ 52-148a through 52-148e
Depositions
CT Gen. Stat. § 42a-3-505(b)
Protests (negotiable instruments)
Public Act 23-28
An Act Concerning Remote Notarial Acts
Public Act 12-29
Authorized copy certifications
Public Act 00-138
Fee increase to $5.00 plus $0.35/mile
Public Act 91-110
Removed prohibition on notarizing for relatives
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Connecticut?
A Connecticut notary public commission is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Connecticut Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Connecticut?
Connecticut charges $120 as the application fee to the Connecticut Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Connecticut require a notary bond?
No. Connecticut does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in Connecticut?
Connecticut 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 Connecticut?
Connecticut does not strictly require a seal or stamp for every notarial act, though one is commonly used. Check current Connecticut Secretary of State - Notary Division guidance for the latest authoritative requirements before notarizing.
Can Connecticut notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Connecticut authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can Connecticut notaries use?
Connecticut notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, Credible Witness, and thirdPartyVerificationSystem. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Connecticut cap notary fees?
Yes. Connecticut sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. $5.00 maximum per notarial act (among lowest in nation); $0.35 per mile travel fee (in addition to per-act fee); applies to ALL notarial acts including remote notarizations; notary may charge less than maximum or nothing; may not exceed statutory limits; no statutory differentiation between types of acts; fee structure effective July 1, 2000 (Public Act 00-138)
Who regulates notaries in Connecticut?
Connecticut notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Connecticut Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
What notarial acts can Connecticut notaries perform?
Connecticut notaries are authorized to perform 9 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 Connecticut?
Start your application through the Connecticut Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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