Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
$1,000
Application Fee
$10
Issuing Authority
Kentucky Secretary of State
Journal
OptionalTraditionalMandatoryElectronic
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Kentucky distinctive
- Kentucky permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- Kentucky's $10 application fee is among the lowest in the country (national median is $30).
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
Kentucky authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- $2.00 fee cap is among lowest in nation (not updated since 1960s, ties with New York)
- Very low $1,000 bond requirement (most states require $5,000-$25,000)
- No mandatory education or exam required (simple credentialing process)
- Credible witness method NOT available (only personal knowledge or government ID)
- Copy certification NOT authorized (no statutory provision)
Regulatory Authority
Kentucky 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.
KRS 423.010 et seq.
Primary Notary Statute
Statutory authority for acknowledgment, affidavit, copy certification, deposition, jurat, oath/affirmation, protest, and witnessing in Kentucky.
HB 51 (effective June 29, 2023)
Remote Online Notarization (RON) Provisions
Statutory authority for electronic notarization (IPEN), and remote online notarization in Kentucky.
KRS 423.265-423.295
Remote Online Notarization (RON) Provisions
Statutory authority for electronic notarization (IPEN), and remote online notarization in Kentucky.
Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure
Deposition Court Rules
Statutory authority for deposition in Kentucky.
KRS 355 (UCC)
UCC — Notice of Dishonor (Protests)
Statutory authority for protest in Kentucky.
KRS 402.050
Marriage Solemnization
Statutory authority for marriage solemnization in Kentucky.
KRS 423.250
Notary Authority — acknowledgment
Statutory authority for acknowledgment in Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Kentucky?
A Kentucky notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Kentucky Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Kentucky?
Kentucky charges $10 as the application fee to the Kentucky Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Kentucky require a notary bond?
Yes. Kentucky requires a notary surety bond of $1,000. 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 Kentucky?
Journal requirements in Kentucky are: OptionalTraditionalMandatoryElectronic. Consult the Kentucky Secretary of State - Notary Division for the current authoritative rule.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky 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 Kentucky Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Kentucky notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Kentucky 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 Kentucky notaries use?
Kentucky 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 Kentucky cap notary fees?
Yes. Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
Kentucky notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Kentucky Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Kentucky authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Kentucky 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 Kentucky notaries perform?
Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
Start your application through the Kentucky Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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Remote Online Notarization (RON): State Guide 2026
State-by-state breakdown of which jurisdictions permit RON, the technology requirements, and the additional registration steps for notaries who want to offer it.
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.
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