Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Notary Public in Iowa
Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
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Must be at least 18 years old.
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Must be a resident of Iowa or a resident of a state bordering Iowa but employed in Iowa.
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Must be able to read and write English.
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Must not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving fraud or dishonesty.
Complete the Application
Complete the Notary Public Application form. You can download the form from the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.
Application Link:
[Notary Public Application] (https://sos.iowa.gov/business/pdf/notaryapplication.pdf)
Obtain a Notary Bond
Iowa requires notaries to obtain a $5,000 notary bond. This bond must be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Iowa.
Submit the Application and Bond
Mail the completed application and the original notary bond to:
Secretary of State
Business Services Division
Lucas Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319​
Pay the Filing Fee
Include a check or money order for the $30 filing fee made payable to the Iowa Secretary of State.
Receive Your Commission
Once your application is approved, you will receive your Notary Public Commission. This document will authorize you to perform notarial acts.
Purchase a Notary Seal
Purchase a notary seal (stamp or embosser) that meets Iowa’s requirements. The seal must include:
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Your name as it appears on your commission.
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The words "Notarial Seal" and "Iowa."
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Your commission number.
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The words "Commission Number" and your commission expiration date.
Maintain a Notary Journal
While not required by Iowa law, it is highly recommended to maintain a notary journal to record all notarial acts performed. This provides a legal record of your notarial acts and can be crucial if a notarial act is ever questioned.
Complete Notary Training (Optional)
Although not required, consider completing notary training to ensure you fully understand your duties and responsibilities. Many organizations offer notary training courses online.
Helpful Resources and Links
Iowa Secretary of State Notary Information: [Iowa Secretary of State - Notary] (https://sos.iowa.gov/notaries/notaryhome.html)
Notary Public Handbook: [Iowa Notary Public Handbook] (https://sos.iowa.gov/business/pdf/NotaryHandbook.pdf)
By following these steps and utilizing the provided links and resources, you can successfully become a notary public in Iowa. If you have any further questions or need assistance, the Iowa Secretary of State’s office can be contacted for more information.