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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 Idaho Secretary of State using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Idaho issues a six-year traditional notary commission. Commissioned notaries may then file an Addition of Electronic or Remote Online Notary amendment to perform electronic and/or remote online notarizations after notifying the Secretary of State of the technology they will use.
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 Idaho Secretary of State’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as an Idaho notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Bond, Then Secretary of State
Buy the bond first, complete the application, then add electronic/RON authorization on sosbiz if you will notarize electronically or remotely.
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Read the official notary information page Open Notary Information and, if you want the course, Notary Training Course. |
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Create or use a sosbiz account File the notary application and later the electronic/RON amendment through sosbiz.idaho.gov. |
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If you already hold an Idaho commission, add RON as an amendment You must be commissioned before you register as an electronic notary, but you may submit both forms at the same time. |
Part 1: Traditional Idaho Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Idaho notary commission. You cannot perform RON until you have notified the Secretary of State of your technology.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Notary Information. Commissions are not “renewed”; re-apply for another six-year term with a new bond up to 90 days before expiration. |
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Complete traditional notary education No exam is required. Beginning July 1, 2019, the Secretary of State must provide an online education course. Use Notary Training Course and the handbook; no separate SOS education fee is listed. |
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Obtain a $10,000 surety bond Purchase from a licensed insurance agent, then submit the original bond with the application. |
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Submit the traditional application Complete the application (notarize it as the instructions require) and send it with the bond and $30 filing fee. City, county, and state employees are exempt from SOS filing fees when the commission is used in the course of employment. |
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Receive your certificate, then buy the stamp The Notary Certificate authorizes you to purchase a stamping device. Recommissioning notaries may keep a current stamp. The commission is complete once you have the stamp. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Notify the Secretary of State before the first remote act. Identify the communication technology. Remote technology must comply with IDAPA 34.07.01. The SOS does not verify that your chosen technology is compliant.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Notary Information (Electronic Notary FAQ) and IDAPA 34.07.01. Also see Idaho Code § 51-114A. |
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Complete online notary education Not listed on the official site as a separate required RON course or SOS fee. The traditional Notary Training Course includes a RON chapter. |
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Start the online commission application File an “Addition of Electronic or Remote Online Notary” amendment on sosbiz.idaho.gov, or the paper Authorization for Electronic/Remote Online Notarization. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Identify the technology on the amendment. File a separate amendment for each technology you will use. |
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Upload your electronic seal Online amendments are filed in your sosbiz account. Paper forms require samples of the electronic stamp, signature, and notarial certificate. |
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Pay and submit There is a $20 fee to authorize electronic and/or remote online notarization. Filing a paper form adds a $20 manual processing fee; paper filings without that extra fee are rejected. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not let the six-year traditional commission lapse. Electronic and RON authorization depends on remaining a commissioned Idaho notary.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
Amounts below are from Notary Information and the electronic/RON authorization form. Confirm them there before you pay. Bond premiums are paid to the bonding company.
| Item | SOS / listed fee |
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| Traditional notary education | Not listed as an SOS course fee (optional SOS training course) |
| Online / RON education | Not listed on the official site as a separate SOS course fee |
| Traditional application | $30 (waived for qualifying government employees) |
| Electronic / RON authorization | $20 (+ $20 if you file the paper form) |
| Surety bond | $10,000 coverage (premium paid to the bonding company) |
Official Idaho Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| Notary Information | sos.idaho.gov/notary-information |
| sosbiz filing | sosbiz.idaho.gov |
| Notary Training Course | sos.idaho.gov/notary-information/notary-training |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: You must be commissioned as an Idaho notary before you register as an electronic notary, but you may submit both forms at the same time.
Q: Does Idaho approve a list of RON platforms?
A: No. You choose tamper-evident technology. Remote technology must comply with IDAPA 34.07.01. The SOS does not verify compliance.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Notary Information and sosbiz.idaho.gov.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
