How to become a notary in Connecticut
Eligibility, an exam, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services Division.
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Connecticut resident, or a non-resident whose principal place of business is in Connecticut; The Secretary may deny anyone convicted of a felony or a crime, whose earlier commission was revoked, or who committed notarial misconduct. A Certificate of Character is required from a public official or reputable business/professional person, unrelated to you, who has known you at least one year.
- Pass the notary exam — Built into the online eLicense application and taken under oath. Every question must be answered correctly. No separate exam fee.
- Complete the background check — No fingerprinting. Applicants disclose criminal history on the application. Renewals require an oath that you have not been convicted of a crime since your last appointment.
- Apply to the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services Division — Pay the $120 state fee. Other fees: $20 town clerk fee to record the certificate of appointment and oath (C.G.S. 7-34a). Renewal $60. Reinstatement after a lapse of more than 90 days is $120. Name change $15. Fee waived for active state employees notarizing in their official duties.
- Take the oath and file it — After the e-mailed Certificate of Appointment arrives, take the oath of office (usually before the town clerk) and record the certificate and oath with the town clerk of the town where you live. Non-residents record in the town of their CT principal place of business. Deadline: within 30 days. Recording fee $20. Repeat after every renewal.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Optional. If used, the seal must show your name as on the certificate of appointment, 'Notary Public' and 'Connecticut'. The commission expiration date may be on the seal or, more commonly, on a separate rubber stamp with your name and title. Sign exactly as your name appears on the certificate; signature stamps are not allowed. Journal: Recommended.
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Connecticut's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Connecticut notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services Division |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Connecticut resident, or a non-resident whose principal place of business is in Connecticut. |
| Course | Not required No course. You are expected to study the official Notary Public Manual before applying. |
| Exam | Required Built into the online eLicense application and taken under oath. Every question must be answered correctly. No separate exam fee. |
| State fee | $120 |
| Other fees | $20 town clerk fee to record the certificate of appointment and oath (C.G.S. 7-34a). Renewal $60. Reinstatement after a lapse of more than 90 days is $120. Name change $15. Fee waived for active state employees notarizing in their official duties. |
| Surety bond | None No surety bond required. A bond or E&O policy can be bought voluntarily for personal protection. |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | No fingerprinting. Applicants disclose criminal history on the application. Renewals require an oath that you have not been convicted of a crime since your last appointment. |
| Term | 5 years |
| Oath / filing | After the e-mailed Certificate of Appointment arrives, take the oath of office (usually before the town clerk) and record the certificate and oath with the town clerk of the town where you live. Non-residents record in the town of their CT principal place of business. Deadline: within 30 days. Recording fee $20. Repeat after every renewal. |
| Seal | Optional. If used, the seal must show your name as on the certificate of appointment, 'Notary Public' and 'Connecticut'. The commission expiration date may be on the seal or, more commonly, on a separate rubber stamp with your name and title. Sign exactly as your name appears on the certificate; signature stamps are not allowed. |
| Journal | Recommended |
| Max fee per notarization | $10 per notarial act plus mileage at no more than the IRS business standard mileage rate (effective July 1, 2026; previously $5). |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Since Oct 1, 2023 (PA 23-28, C.G.S. 3-95b), any CT notary may notarize for a signer over live audio-video (e.g. Zoom). No separate commission or approved platform is needed. The signer signs on camera, mails the paper document to the notary, and the notary completes the certificate. Not allowed for wills/trusts, real estate closing documents, health care directives, standby guardianship papers or powers of attorney. Fully electronic online notarization (RON) is not authorized. |
| Renewal | About 90 days before expiration the SOS e-mails a renewal notice with a PIN for fast-track online renewal. Renew within 90 days before or 90 days after expiration; $60. Take a new oath and re-record with the town clerk. If the commission has been expired for more than 90 days, request reinstatement (same steps as a new application, $120). |
Apply online at eLicense.ct.gov. Upload a notarized Jurat and handwritten Writing Sample plus the Certificate of Character; an incorrect Jurat is the most common cause of delay. Commissions expire on the last day of the anniversary month. Public Act 26-81 (signed May 26, 2026) doubled the maximum notary fee from $5 to $10 effective July 1, 2026, and raised the mileage rate.
Sources: CT Secretary of the State – Notary Public Licensing · CT Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1) · Public Act 26-81 (SB 294) – notary fee increase · CT SOTS – Jurat and Writing Sample form · CT SOTS – Certificate of Character form. Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a Connecticut notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other Connecticut licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Connecticut insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Connecticut?
The state fee is $120, plus $20 town clerk fee to record the certificate of appointment and oath (C.G.S. 7-34a). Renewal $60. Reinstatement after a lapse of more than 90 days is $120. Name change $15. Fee waived for active state employees notarizing in their official duties.. Add a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Connecticut?
Typically 3-5 business days (SOS). Applications left pending more than 90 days are forfeited along with the fee..
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires an exam.
How much can a notary charge in Connecticut?
$10 per notarial act plus mileage at no more than the IRS business standard mileage rate (effective July 1, 2026; previously $5)..
Can I be an online notary in Connecticut?
Yes. Since Oct 1, 2023 (PA 23-28, C.G.S. 3-95b), any CT notary may notarize for a signer over live audio-video (e.g. Zoom). No separate commission or approved platform is needed. The signer signs on camera, mails the paper document to the notary, and the notary completes the certificate. Not allowed for wills/trusts, real estate closing documents, health care directives, standby guardianship papers or powers of attorney. Fully electronic online notarization (RON) is not authorized.