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 does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- 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)
RON Not Available
Connecticut does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
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?
No. Connecticut 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 Connecticut Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
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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