Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$40
Issuing Authority
Clerk of Superior Court in county of residence
Journal
SelfFilersOnly
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Georgia distinctive
- Georgia does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Georgia does not require a notary bond, unlike the 28 states that do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
Georgia does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- Major law changes effective January 1, 2025 via HB 1292 (signed May 2, 2024)
- Identity verification methods reduced from 3 to 2 (eliminated credible witness)
- Mandatory journal for self-filers (real estate transactions) starting January 1, 2025
- Mandatory educational training for initial appointment and renewals (Jan 1, 2025)
- NO bond requirement (unlike most states)
Regulatory Authority
Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
OCGA Title 45, Chapter 17
Notaries Public
OCGA § 45-17-6
Seal of Office
Requirements for notary seal
OCGA § 45-17-8
Powers and Duties Generally
Core notarial authority, identity verification, prohibitions
OCGA § 45-17-8.1
Signature and Date of Notarial Act
Signature and date requirements for certificates
OCGA § 45-17-11
Fees of Notaries
Maximum fee structure ($2 base + $2 optional for clerk certificate)
HB 1292 (2024)
2025 Notary Law Updates
Effective January 1, 2025: new ID requirements, journal for self-filers, mandatory training
OCGA § 44-2-2(b)(1)
Real Property Instruments Definition
Defines self-filer instruments requiring journal
OCGA § 7-1-240 through § 7-1-248
Safe Deposit Box Procedures
Georgia Banking Code provisions for safe deposit box access
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Georgia?
A Georgia notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Georgia?
Georgia charges $40 as the application fee to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Georgia require a notary bond?
No. Georgia 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 Georgia?
Journal requirements in Georgia are: SelfFilersOnly. Consult the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority for the current authoritative rule.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia 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 Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority.
Can Georgia notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Georgia 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 Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Georgia notaries use?
Georgia notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge and Government-Issued ID. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Georgia cap notary fees?
Yes. Georgia sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum $4 total per service: $2 for notarial act + optional $2 for providing clerk's certificate of commission effectiveness (OCGA § 45-17-11)
Who regulates notaries in Georgia?
Georgia notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Georgia authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Georgia 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 Georgia notaries perform?
Georgia 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 Georgia?
Start your application through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority.
Related Articles
Notary Fees by State Guide
Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Acknowledgments: 50-State Guide
Authoritative reference for acknowledgment certificate language across all 50 states, including short-form versus long-form requirements.
How to Become a Notary Public
Step-by-step path from application to commission, including bond and surety insurance decisions and ongoing compliance obligations.
Get the Full Georgia Compliance Guide
Step-by-step notarization guides with legal citations, fee schedules, and certificate templates.
Free during beta. No credit card required.