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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 Iowa Secretary of State using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Iowa commissions traditional notaries, then requires a separate registration before any remote notarial act. Remote online notarization uses an SOS-approved live audio-visual technology platform. The only SOS-approved RON training course is the National Notary Association course identified on the official RON page.
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 Iowa Secretary of State’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as an Iowa notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Fast Track, Then Remote Registration
File the notary commission on Fast Track ($30). After you are commissioned, complete NNA RON training and the no-fee remote registration.
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Read the official RON and fee pages |
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File the notary commission Use Fast Track for a new or renewal commission ($30) unless you use the paper form. |
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If you already hold an Iowa commission, register for remote acts before the first one Complete the approved course, then submit Remote Notary Registration Form. |
Part 1: Traditional Iowa Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Iowa notary commission. You cannot perform remote online notarizations until you also register.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Notary Forms and Fees and Iowa Code chapter 9B. |
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Complete traditional notary education Not listed on the official SOS fee page as a required pre-commission course. RON training is a separate NNA course after you are commissioned. |
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Obtain a surety bond Not listed on the official SOS forms-and-fees page as a surety-bond requirement. |
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Submit the traditional application File online through Fast Track or use the paper application. The SOS lists $30 for a new commission and $30 to renew. |
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Receive your commission Keep your commission number. You will need it on the remote registration form. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Register after the approved RON course (within six months before the first remote act). Identify the approved technology you will use. Skype, Zoom, and Facebook do not qualify. Electronic in-person notarization is a different process from RON.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Remote Online Notarization, Iowa Code § 9B.14A, and IAC 721—43.5. |
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Complete online notary education Complete the NNA remote online notarization course—the only course the SOS lists as approved. The SOS lists a $30 fee paid to NNA, not to the SOS. |
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Start the online commission application Submit Remote Notary Registration Form with your commission number and the certificate of completion. Select an approved remote online notary service provider. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Use the approved provider you named. You may not perform remote acts until training and registration are complete. |
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Upload your electronic seal Iowa’s remote registration is the SOS web form plus course certificate, not a separate seal-upload portal. Complete seal setup with the approved provider. |
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Pay and submit The SOS lists no fee for the Application for Approval to Perform Remote Notarizations. You still pay $30 for the underlying commission and $30 to NNA for the course. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Commissioned notaries are not automatically authorized for RON. Register first. Electronic in-person notarization is not a substitute for remote registration.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
SOS filing amounts are from Notary Forms and Fees and Remote Online Notarization. The $30 RON course is paid to NNA. Confirm them there before you pay.
| Item | Listed amount |
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| Traditional notary education | Not listed on the official SOS fee page as a required course |
| RON training (NNA) | $30 paid to the National Notary Association |
| Traditional application or renewal | $30 |
| Remote notarization registration | No SOS fee |
| Surety bond | Not listed on the official SOS forms-and-fees page |
Official Iowa Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| Remote Online Notarization | sos.iowa.gov/remote-online-notarization |
| Notary Forms and Fees | sos.iowa.gov/notaries/notary-forms-and-fees |
| Remote registration form | sos.iowa.gov/remotenotary |
| Notary office | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. Become a commissioned Iowa notary first ($30), complete the approved RON course, then register. Registration is in addition to the notary application.
Q: Does Iowa approve a list of RON platforms?
A: Yes. Select a provider from the approved list on the remote registration form. General video-conference apps are not sufficient.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Remote Online Notarization and Notary Forms and Fees.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
