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Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the Arkansas Secretary of State, Business & Commercial Services using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Arkansas commissions traditional notaries first. An eNotary amendment then covers in-person electronic notarization and remote online notarization when you use an SOS-approved solution provider (Act 1047 of 2021). The notary must be in Arkansas; the signer may be elsewhere.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Secretary of State’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the Arkansas Secretary of State, Business & Commercial Services’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as an Arkansas notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Arkansas SOS Notary Account
Create an online notary account with Business & Commercial Services, complete the exam, then file the application and bond. eNotary is a later amendment in the same account.
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Read the official handbook and BCS pages Open the Notary Handbook and Business & Commercial Services. |
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Create your online notary account Use the SOS notary management system. You will complete the exam before the application is available. |
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If you are already an Arkansas notary, sign in to that account Use an amendment to add eNotary. Do not start a second traditional commission unless the SOS instructions say you must. |
Part 1: Traditional Arkansas Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Arkansas notary commission. You cannot file the eNotary amendment until this is in place.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Notary Handbook and the BCS notary system user guide. Commissions are for ten years. |
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Complete traditional notary education Pass the online notary exam (30 questions). The SOS FAQ states traditional training is not required for paper notaries. There is no separate SOS traditional-education fee listed. |
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Obtain a $7,500 surety bond Buy a $7,500 bond from a surety authorized in Arkansas (or a qualifying Arkansas business surety contract). Upload a PDF copy with the application. File the original later with the Recorder of Deeds in your county of commission. |
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Submit the traditional application Complete the application online, upload the bond and exam certificate, and pay. The SOS customer manual lists a $20 filing fee (plus any payment-processor convenience fee). Print and submit the signed, notarized application as BCS currently requires. |
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Record your certificates with the county Take both SOS certificates and the original bond to the Recorder of Deeds (usually the circuit clerk) in your county of commission so the county can complete and seal the certificates. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Complete this only after your traditional commission is active. Arkansas uses an eNotary amendment (not a separate “online commission” name). RON must use an approved provider.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions See eNotary, approved electronic solution providers, and the Notary Handbook eNotary / RON sections. |
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Complete online notary education Complete SOS eNotary training and the eNotary exam. Confirm the current course location from the eNotary page. |
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Start the online commission application File an eNotary amendment in your online notary account. Name the approved solution provider you will use. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Set up signing credentials through your approved provider as the SOS eNotary instructions require. |
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Upload your electronic seal Complete any seal or credential steps in the amendment and provider dashboard. There is no Texas-style SOS portal seal-upload listed. |
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Pay and submit The SOS eNotary FAQ lists $20 plus a $5 convenience fee for the eNotary filing. Confirm the current amount in the online account before you pay. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Renew the traditional ten-year commission through your online account (new bond, exam, and application fee). Keep eNotary current as an amendment on that commission.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
Amounts below are from SOS BCS materials (customer manual and eNotary FAQ). Confirm them in your online account before you pay. Bond premiums are paid to the bonding company. County recording fees are set by the Recorder of Deeds.
| Item | SOS fee |
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| Traditional notary exam | Not listed as a separate SOS dollar amount (Classmarker exam required) |
| eNotary training / exam | Not listed on the official site as a separate SOS course fee; complete the SOS eNotary course |
| Traditional application | $20 filing fee (plus any convenience fee) |
| eNotary amendment | $20 + $5 convenience fee (confirm in the online account) |
| Surety bond | $7,500 coverage (premium paid to the bonding company) |
Official Arkansas Links
| Resource | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Notary handbook (PDF) | sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/bcs/NotaryHandbook2025.pdf |
| eNotary | sos.arkansas.gov/.../enotary |
| Approved electronic solution providers | Approved providers |
| BCS | 501-682-3409 or 888-233-0325 | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. You must already hold a current traditional Arkansas notary commission, then file an eNotary amendment.
Q: Does Arkansas approve a list of RON platforms?
A: Yes. Use only SOS approved electronic solution providers. The office does not recommend a bonding company.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use your BCS online notary account, the Notary Handbook, and eNotary.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
