How to become a notary in Iowa
Eligibility, the application, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Iowa Secretary of State.
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Iowa resident, or a person with a place of employment or practice in Iowa (bordering-state residents who work in Iowa get a 1-year commission); must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; Must read and write English; not disqualified under Iowa Code 9B.23 (e.g. felony conviction, fraud/dishonesty offense, prior revocation).
- Apply to the Iowa Secretary of State — Pay the $30 state fee. Other fees: No fee for the remote notarization approval application or name/address changes; stamp bought privately.
- Take the oath and file it — Sign the oath of office on the application, which is filed with the Secretary of State (online via Fast Track Filing or by mail) before the commission issues.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: stamp or seal with the notary's name as on file, the words 'Notarial Seal' and 'Iowa', and the title (e.g. Notary Public), commission number and expiration date; must be copyable with the record. Journal: Recommended.
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Iowa's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Iowa notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Iowa Secretary of State |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Iowa resident, or a person with a place of employment or practice in Iowa (bordering-state residents who work in Iowa get a 1-year commission); must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident |
| Course | Not required No course required for a traditional commission (SOS strongly recommends notary education). An SOS-approved remote online notarization training course is required before performing RON. |
| Exam | Not required No state exam. |
| State fee | $30 |
| Other fees | No fee for the remote notarization approval application or name/address changes; stamp bought privately |
| Surety bond | None No surety bond required by Iowa Code chapter 9B |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | None |
| Term | 3 years (1 year for a bordering-state resident who works in Iowa; state employees and legislators tied to their position) |
| Oath / filing | Sign the oath of office on the application, which is filed with the Secretary of State (online via Fast Track Filing or by mail) before the commission issues |
| Seal | Required: stamp or seal with the notary's name as on file, the words 'Notarial Seal' and 'Iowa', and the title (e.g. Notary Public), commission number and expiration date; must be copyable with the record |
| Journal | Recommended |
| Max fee per notarization | No set maximum; a notary may charge a 'reasonable fee' (SOS handbook) |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Commissioned notaries may apply (no fee) to perform remote online notarization after completing an SOS-approved RON course within 6 months before the first remote act and choosing an approved technology vendor; audio-video recordings kept 10 years (Iowa Code 9B.14A) |
| Renewal | File the renewal application with $30 before the commission expires (SOS emails a renewal form 60 days ahead, or use Fast Track Filing); after expiration you must file a new application |
Iowa is one of the cheapest states: $30, no bond, no course, no exam. Since July 1, 2023 a RON notary who personally knows the signer (or uses a personally-known witness) need not use identity-proofing technology. Report changes of name/address within 30 days.
Sources: Iowa SOS — Notary Forms and Fees · Handbook for Iowa Notaries Public (2023) · Iowa Code chapter 9B (2026). 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 Iowa 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 Iowa licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Iowa insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Iowa?
The state fee is $30, plus No fee for the remote notarization approval application or name/address changes; stamp bought privately. Add a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Iowa?
Usually a few weeks from application to commission.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Iowa?
No. Iowa requires no course or exam, though a short course helps you avoid mistakes.
How much can a notary charge in Iowa?
No set maximum; a notary may charge a 'reasonable fee' (SOS handbook).
Can I be an online notary in Iowa?
Yes. Commissioned notaries may apply (no fee) to perform remote online notarization after completing an SOS-approved RON course within 6 months before the first remote act and choosing an approved technology vendor; audio-video recordings kept 10 years (Iowa Code 9B.14A)