Quick Facts
Commission Term
6 years
Bond
$10,000
Application Fee
$30
Issuing Authority
Secretary of State
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Idaho distinctive
- Idaho permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- Idaho's 6-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 Available
Idaho authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- RULONA state (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts adopted July 1, 2017; updated with RULONA 2018 for RON)
- 6-year commission term (longer than most states' typical 4-year terms)
- $10,000 surety bond REQUIRED for full 6-year term
- $30 application/renewal fee (city/county/state employees exempt if for employment purposes)
- NO exam required (free voluntary training available from Secretary of State)
Regulatory Authority
Idaho 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.
Idaho Code Title 51, Chapter 1
Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (2018)
Primary statutory authority. RULONA adopted: Yes. Effective: RULONA adopted July 1, 2017; updated with RULONA 2018 amendment incorporating RON provisions
Idaho Code 51-107
Idaho Code 51-107
Referenced in state compliance data
Idaho Code 51-102
Idaho Code 51-102
Referenced in state compliance data
Idaho Wedding Laws
Idaho Wedding Laws
Referenced in state compliance data
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Idaho?
A Idaho notary public commission is valid for 6 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Idaho Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Idaho?
Idaho charges $30 as the application fee to the Idaho Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Idaho require a notary bond?
Yes. Idaho requires a notary surety bond of $10,000. 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 Idaho?
Idaho 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 Idaho?
Yes. Idaho 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 Idaho Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Idaho notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Idaho 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 Idaho notaries use?
Idaho 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 Idaho cap notary fees?
Yes. Idaho sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Contact state authority for fee information
Who regulates notaries in Idaho?
Idaho notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Idaho Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Idaho authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Idaho 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 Idaho notaries perform?
Idaho notaries are authorized to perform 10 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 Idaho?
Start your application through the Idaho Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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