how to become a notary in ky

Application Procedures

Step 1: Download the Kentucky Notary Public Handbook and complete the included application

Kentucky Notary Public Handbook and Notary Public Application

The handbook contains the relevant information regarding notarial procedure in the State of Kentucky as well as the applications for both types of notary public commission. Please read the handbook and complete the application according to the instructions provided therein. Once you have completed the application, including the certificate of approval form, mail it along with a check or money order in the amount of $10.00 made payable to the "Kentucky State Treasurer" to the following address:

Notary Commissions
PO Box 821
Frankfort, KY 40601-0821

New and Renewing Notary Packages
Renewing Notary Packages do not come with a notary journal

Our New and Renewal Notary Packages DO NOT include your required $100 to 1,000 Kentucky notary bond which varies by county.

Step 2: Proceed to the County Clerk's office to complete the commissioning process

After the Secretary of State has processed the application, your Certificate of Appointment will be sent to the County Clerk in the county of application. For a Kentucky resident, the county of application is the county where the applicant resides or is principally employed as designated in line 3 of the application. For an applicant who is not a resident of Kentucky, but is employed in Kentucky, the county of application is the county in which the non-resident is principally employed.

At the same time the Secretary of State sends the Certificate of Appointment to the County Clerk, a written notice will be sent to the applicant stating the Certificate of Appointment is in the County Clerk's office.

Please contact your county clerk with any questions regarding the bonding and oath process. You may order your Kentucky surety bond from Notary Rotary.

Within thirty (30) days of receiving your notice, you must go to the County Clerk's office and:

Post Bond
Take your Oath of Office
File and record your commission in the office of the County Clerk

For specific information regarding these requirements, you should make direct contact with your County Clerk.

Step 3: Order your Official supplies from The Notary's Store, but you will need to order your notary bond separately

Once you receive notice from the state that the Certificate of Appointment is in the County Clerk's office, you will need to order your supplies. Please visit The Notary's Store, you will be entering the Kentucky section for your notary supplies. Our New and Renewing Notary Packages do not include your required $200 - 1,000 Kentucky notary bond which varies by county. We offer a New Notary Supply Package and a Renewing Notary Supply Package which include your Kentucky Notary Seal/Stamp and required Kentucky Notary Journal, and other needed notary supplies at a special reduced price. To order, enter the required information and scroll down through the page to locate the notary packages, or purchase separately your other products you would like to order. Follow the instructions through checkout. Be sure to make a copy of the actual bond for your records.

Note: An Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy does not replace a bond, but will help to repay the bonding company if a claim is ever made. Errors and Omissions is not required by law, but may be purchased as it protects the notary public and pays for any charges the notary might owe for legal fees and costs should the notary be sued.