Quick Facts
Commission Term
2 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$30
Issuing Authority
Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - Notaries Public
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
No caps
What makes Vermont distinctive
- Vermont does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Vermont's 2-year commission term is shorter than the national median of 4 years, requiring more frequent renewal.
- Vermont 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
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
Vermont does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- RULONA state - Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (26 VSA Chapter 103)
- 2-year commission term expiring January 31 of odd years (e.g., 01/31/2025, 01/31/2027)
- No bond required (E&O insurance optional)
- $30 application/renewal fee
- Special commission endorsement: $30 additional for electronic/remote acts authorization
Regulatory Authority
Vermont 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.
26 V.S.A. § 5381 et seq.
Vermont Permanent E-Notary/RON Rules
Permanent rules for electronic notarization and remote online notarization, effective February 26, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Vermont?
A Vermont notary public commission is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Vermont Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Vermont?
Vermont charges $30 as the application fee to the Vermont Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Vermont require a notary bond?
No. Vermont 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 Vermont?
Vermont 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 Vermont?
Yes. Vermont 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 Vermont Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Vermont notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Vermont 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 Vermont Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Vermont notaries use?
Vermont 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 Vermont cap notary fees?
Vermont does not set hard statutory maximums on notarial fees. Contact state authority for fee information.
Who regulates notaries in Vermont?
Vermont notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Vermont Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Can Vermont notaries solemnize marriages?
Yes. Vermont is one of a small number of states that authorize notaries public to solemnize marriages. The exact ceremony format and recordkeeping requirements are governed by both notary law and family law in the state — consult both before officiating.
Does Vermont authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Vermont 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 Vermont notaries perform?
Vermont notaries are authorized to perform 12 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 Vermont?
Start your application through the Vermont Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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