How to Become a Notary in Georgia (2026)
Quick answer: To become a notary in Georgia, you must be 18+, a GA resident, and apply through your county’s Clerk of Superior Court. No exam, education, or surety bond is required. Total cost: approximately $40–$70. Commission lasts 4 years.
Georgia Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Georgia resident |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident |
| Background check | No felony conviction (or completed sentence + 10 years) |
| Education | Not required |
| Exam | Not required |
| Surety bond | Not required (optional) |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Application fee | Varies by county (~$20–$40) |
| Max fee per act | $2 per notarial act |
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
You must be at least 18, a legal resident of Georgia, and must not have been convicted of a felony (unless your sentence was completed at least 10 years ago and your civil rights have been restored).
Step 2: Apply at your county Clerk of Superior Court
Unlike most states, Georgia handles notary commissions at the county level, not the state level. Visit or contact the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where you reside.
What to bring:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Georgia residency (driver’s license, utility bill)
- Completed application form (provided by the clerk’s office)
Step 3: Take the oath of office
You will take an oath of office administered by the county clerk or an authorized official. This is done at the time of application in most counties.
Step 4: Pay the county fee
Fees vary by county, typically $20 to $40. Some counties charge additional recording fees.
Step 5: Receive your commission
Your commission is effective immediately after the oath is administered and recorded. The clerk provides your commission documentation.
Step 6: Purchase your notary supplies
Georgia requires:
- Notary seal/stamp — Must include your name, “Notary Public,” “Georgia” or “GA,” and your commission expiration date
- Notary journal — Not required by state law, but strongly recommended for your protection
Total Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| County application fee | $20–$40 |
| Notary stamp/seal | $15–$25 |
| Notary journal (optional but recommended) | $10–$20 |
| Total | $45–$85 |
Georgia is one of the least expensive states to become a notary. No bond is required, and the county-level process is straightforward.
Georgia Notary Rules to Know
Lowest fees in the nation. Georgia caps notary fees at $2 per notarial act — tied with New York for the lowest in the country. Mobile notary travel fees are separate and unregulated.
No journal requirement. Georgia does not require notaries to keep a journal. However, we strongly recommend maintaining one — it protects you if a notarization is ever questioned.
County-based commission. Your commission is valid statewide, even though you apply through your county clerk. You can notarize anywhere in Georgia.
No bond required. Georgia is one of the few states that does not require a surety bond for notaries. However, purchasing errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is recommended for your protection.
Remote Online Notarization. Georgia permits RON. Additional registration and technology requirements apply. See our RON guide for details.
Renewing Your Georgia Notary Commission
Your commission lasts 4 years. To renew:
- Visit your county Clerk of Superior Court before your commission expires
- Complete a renewal application
- Take a new oath of office
- Pay the renewal fee
Start the renewal process at least 30 days before expiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a notary in Georgia?
Georgia has one of the fastest processes — you can often complete the entire application, take the oath, and receive your commission in a single visit to the county clerk’s office.
Do I need a notary bond in Georgia?
No. Georgia does not require a surety bond for notaries. This makes it one of the cheapest states to get commissioned.
Can I notarize outside my county?
Yes. Your Georgia notary commission is valid statewide. You can notarize anywhere in Georgia, not just your home county.
Why is the notary fee so low in Georgia?
Georgia law caps the maximum notary fee at $2 per act, which has not been updated in decades. This is the statutory maximum for the notarization itself — mobile notaries can charge separate travel fees that are not regulated.
Already a notary in Georgia? List your services on FindNotary.io to connect with people who need notarization in your area.