Becoming a notary is generally inexpensive, and if your application gets approved, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials to get legally up and running. The process is straightforward, and you can have an answer from the state in 10 days or less when you apply with the Florida Notary Association.
The application cost to become a notary in Florida is $39. You need to be at least 18 years old and proficient in understanding and speaking English. If you have been convicted of a felony, you must have had a restoration of your civil rights to be eligible.
All applicants seeking to become a notary in Florida must take a notary course within one year of applying. This course is free of charge thanks to the Department of State’s Notary Education Program.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Notary License?
There are two fees that you have to pay to earn your notary license. First, you need a notary surety bond which will cost you as little as $30-$40 depending on the provider. The second fee is the Florida state filing fee, which is the same $39 cost mentioned above.
In Florida, notary costs also include having to purchase a notary stamp. Once you get your notary license, you will have to buy one. A self-inking notary stamp will cost you about $20, depending on the certified company that you are buying it from.
If you want, you can also buy a notary seal. These are optional and are only used for more decorative purposes. If you choose to buy a notary seal, it will cost you about $25.
Application Fee
- All Florida applicants must pay an application fee of $39 when they apply, to be included when you submit your application.
Notary Bond Fee
- One of the costs of becoming a notary includes a notary bond fee of $50 for a $7,500, 4-year notary bond. This is required in the state of Florida.
Notary Stamp
- If you’re approved by the state, you’ll also need a notary stamp to fulfill your legal notary duties, These can vary in price depending on where you buy them.
Notary Bond Book
- While it’s not required by Florida law, it’s a good idea to invest in a bond book to keep track of documents and other items that you have notarized. This can help in the case of any legal situations where proof of documentation is needed.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Notary in Florida?
The application process to become a notary can be done in a day. The longest part of the notary application is the mandatory online training. By law, this training has to take at least three hours. It is broken into segments so you can take it at different times when it fits your schedule, but if you want to take it all in one day, you have that opportunity.
Once you have submitted your application and paid all the necessary fees associated with it, you have to wait for approval. Depending on which notary processor you choose, the approval time will vary. You can typically expect a response within a week, however, there are special circumstances that require longer processing time, such as applicants with felony convictions.
How Much Does the Notary Course Cost?
The online notary course run by the state of Florida is free, however, some companies will offer their own notary course for a fee.
To pass the course, you must answer all of the questions at the end of each section. If you answer a question incorrectly, you can review the text that relates to the question and resubmit your answers one more time.
Throughout the entire course, you have to spend a minimum of three hours. Each section is timed and requires you to be in it for at least 23 minutes. If you are a fast learner or a quick reader, you still won’t be able to progress to the next section until you have spent at least 23 minutes in the current one.
Because the course is online, you can complete it as it fits your schedule. Your information will be kept for one year. This gives you the freedom to finish the course when it works for you, without overwhelming yourself with certification information.
Do I Need Insurance?
As part of your application, you have to prove that you have a $7,500 notary bond. This protects your customers, but there is nothing covering you.
Errors and Omissions Insurance (E&O Insurance) protects you. For a small premium, when you are faced with legal costs or any damages, you are covered up to the policy limit. This isn’t a requirement to become a notary public, but understanding that mistakes can happen, it’s better to be covered. The benefits of E&O insurance far outweigh the cost, not to mention the fees you would potentially have to pay out of pocket if you didn’t have it.
The Florida Notary Association is here to help. We provide one-stopping shopping for all your notary needs. Our notary packages provide you with everything you need at one low cost. If you need to restock your notary kits or are interested in notary accessories, be sure to check out The Dotted Line. Whether you are renewing your notary or thinking of becoming one for the first time, we can help. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.