How to Become an Idaho Notary

This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of becoming a notary in Idaho. Along with your bond, our notary package includes a more detailed copy of application instructions that guide you through this process.

1) Meet State of Idaho Notary Requirements to be a Notary Public

In order to become a notary in Idaho, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident
  • Be a legal Idaho resident or work in Idaho
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a $10,000 surety bond
  • Have a signed and notarized oath of office
  • Have no felony convictions involving fraud, dishonesty or deceit
  • Be able to read and write in English

2) Purchase a Notary Bond

All Idaho notaries need a $10,000 surety bond. The state does not provide these bonds, but one is included with our notary package. Be sure to pick a name for your surety bond that you want to appear on your official seal of office. The name used for your bond and seal must be identical.

After purchasing the notary package, you can print your notary bond along with a page of detailed application instructions.

3) Fill Out the State Application

We provide detailed instructions for filling out your application when you purchase our notary package, but here are the basics:

  1. Use the Idaho Secretary of State business login to start your online application
  2. Print out your completed application, sign it and get it notarized. Make sure your signature on the application matches the exact name you used on the application.

4) Take an Oath of Office

Every notary applicant must take an oath of office in the presence of an Idaho notary in good standing. Next, you submit the oath using forms provided by the Secretary of State.

Before taking the oath of office, you must also present satisfactory evidence of your identity (such as a state-issued photo ID or U.S. passport).

5) Submit Your Application

Your application must include:

  • A printed and signed application
  • A $30 check made payable to the Office of the Secretary of State for the notary filing fee
  • The original $10,000 surety bond
  • A signed and notarized oath of office

The $30 fee is only payable by check. We do not collect the state fee from you when you purchase the notary package. Once you're ready, submit your completed notary application packet directly to:

Office of the Secretary of State
450 N. 4th Street
Boise, ID 83702

OR

P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720

6) Get Your Notary Commission Certificate and Stamp

After you've submitted your application, the Secretary of State will issue you a new notary commission. It may take up to six weeks for you to receive your commission certificate.

Idaho requires all notaries to have a notary stamp, but it does not provide stamps directly. Our notary package includes a self-inking notary stamp in your choice of 12 colors. Your stamp will comply with all state requirements.

Your stamp includes:

  • Your name as it appears on your commission certificate
  • The words “State of Idaho”
  • The words “Notary Public”
  • Your commission expiration date and ID number
  • A Commission Identification Number assigned by the Secretary of State

NOTE: The state requires you to send us a copy of your Notary Commission Certificate before we can manufacture your stamp. In order to receive your stamp, remember to forward an email or scanned copy of your certificate to info@notaries.com.

We will then manufacture a notary stamp that meets or exceeds state specifications and promptly ship it to you.

The state of Idaho also recommends that all notaries keep a journal of their work. That's why we include a notary record-keeping journal in our complete notary package.