How to become a notary in Vermont
Eligibility, an exam, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Vermont Secretary of State – Office of Professional Regulation (OPR).
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Vermont resident, or a non-resident with a place of employment or practice in Vermont; must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; Must not be disqualified under 26 V.S.A. § 5342. You must report every criminal conviction with a written explanation and certified court documents; a conviction does not automatically bar a commission. Law-enforcement-related employees acting within their job duties are exempt from commissioning.
- Pass the notary exam — You must pass the state jurisprudence exam on Vermont notary statutes, rules and ethics. It is open book: you download it during the online application and upload only the answer sheet. More than 6 wrong answers means a retake. The official pages list no separate exam fee.
- Complete the background check — No fingerprinting. Applicants self-report all criminal convictions, and convictions while commissioned must be reported within 30 days.
- Apply to the Vermont Secretary of State – Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) — Pay the $30 state fee. Other fees: Special endorsement for electronic and remote notarial acts: $30 (26 V.S.A. § 5324(b)). Late penalties apply to renewals completed after expiration (3 V.S.A. § 127(d)(1)).
- Take the oath and file it — Sign the Oath of Office/Affirmation form, have it notarized (OPR recommends a Vermont notary) and upload it with the online OPR application. The commission is printed from your online account after approval.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Optional. A stamp is not required. If you use one, it must be copyable and show your legal name, jurisdiction and OPR commission number (at least the last 7 digits). Without a stamp, print the required details on the certificate. The Vermont State Seal may not be used. 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 Vermont's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Vermont notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Vermont Secretary of State – Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Vermont resident, or a non-resident with a place of employment or practice in Vermont; must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident verify |
| Course | Not required No pre-commission course is required. Each renewal requires at least 1 hour of OPR-approved continuing education, except for law-enforcement-related employees, judiciary-related employees and attorneys. |
| Exam | Required You must pass the state jurisprudence exam on Vermont notary statutes, rules and ethics. It is open book: you download it during the online application and upload only the answer sheet. More than 6 wrong answers means a retake. The official pages list no separate exam fee. verify |
| State fee | $30 |
| Other fees | Special endorsement for electronic and remote notarial acts: $30 (26 V.S.A. § 5324(b)). Late penalties apply to renewals completed after expiration (3 V.S.A. § 127(d)(1)). verify |
| Surety bond | None Vermont does not require a bond. verify |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | No fingerprinting. Applicants self-report all criminal convictions, and convictions while commissioned must be reported within 30 days. |
| Term | 2 years (all commissions expire January 31 of odd-numbered years) |
| Oath / filing | Sign the Oath of Office/Affirmation form, have it notarized (OPR recommends a Vermont notary) and upload it with the online OPR application. The commission is printed from your online account after approval. |
| Seal | Optional. A stamp is not required. If you use one, it must be copyable and show your legal name, jurisdiction and OPR commission number (at least the last 7 digits). Without a stamp, print the required details on the certificate. The Vermont State Seal may not be used. |
| Journal | Recommended verify |
| Max fee per notarization | — |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Allowed only for notaries who hold the OPR special endorsement for electronic and remote notarial acts (Administrative Rules Parts 6–8, effective Feb 26, 2025). The endorsement fee is $30. verify |
| Renewal | Renew online through OPR before January 31 of each odd-numbered year. Upload certificates for at least 1 hour of approved continuing education and report any new convictions. Late penalties apply after expiration. OPR audits CE randomly 30 days after the renewal period. |
Since December 2018, OPR has commissioned notaries instead of the county clerks. Apply online only; mail applications are not accepted. Stamps that show an expiration date must be replaced every 2 years. Wait for approval before ordering a stamp, because OPR issues a new commission number.
Sources: Vermont OPR – Notaries Public · Vermont OPR – Notary FAQs · Vermont OPR – Stamps & Certificates · Vermont OPR – Forms & Instructions · Notary Public Application Instructions (PDF). Checked 2026-10. Values marked verify haven't been confirmed against an official source yet.
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 Vermont 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 Vermont licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Vermont insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Vermont?
The state fee is $30, plus Special endorsement for electronic and remote notarial acts: $30 (26 V.S.A. § 5324(b)). Late penalties apply to renewals completed after expiration (3 V.S.A. § 127(d)(1)).. Add a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Vermont?
Usually a few weeks from application to commission, plus the time for the course and exam.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Vermont?
Vermont requires an exam.
How much can a notary charge in Vermont?
Check the state's fee schedule.
Can I be an online notary in Vermont?
Yes. Allowed only for notaries who hold the OPR special endorsement for electronic and remote notarial acts (Administrative Rules Parts 6–8, effective Feb 26, 2025). The endorsement fee is $30.