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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 Kansas Secretary of State using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Kansas appoints traditional notaries for four years. Effective January 1, 2022, a commissioned notary may register to perform remote online notarization after SOS training, an approved RON provider, Form NC, and a $20 fee. RON registration runs with the four-year commission.
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 Kansas Secretary of State’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a Kansas notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Online Notary Login
Complete stamp, bond, and oath first. File the appointment online, then complete RON training and Form NC before the first remote act.
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Read the official notary page Open Kansas Notary and Kansas Notary Handbook. |
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Use the Online Notary Login Upload the completed NO packet (or NO-S / NO-O plus stamp image) and pay the $25 application fee. |
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If you already hold a Kansas commission, register for RON before you notarize remotely You need an active commission number on the electronic stamp before RON permissions. |
Part 1: Traditional Kansas Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Kansas notary appointment. You cannot apply for RON until you have a commission number.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Kansas Notary. Do not notarize until your status is active on the online listing and you have an expiration date. |
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Complete traditional notary education Not listed on the official site as a required pre-appointment course. RON has a separate free SOS training and test. |
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Obtain a $12,000 surety bond The insurer must complete section C of Form NO (or NO-S). A copy of the bond does not replace that section. The bond term is four years covering the SOS-set commission dates. |
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Submit the traditional application Swear the oath (section B / NO-O). If the oath is remote, include a wet-ink signature for comparison. Pay $25 by credit card. The SOS mails a certificate after approval. |
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Keep a journal Effective January 1, 2022, Kansas notaries must maintain a journal and retain it 10 years after the last entry. Only the notary or the SOS may retain the journal. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
RON is optional. The notary must be physically in Kansas. Choose a provider on file with the SOS, complete free SOS training, then notify the SOS with Form NC, the training certificate, and $20.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Use the Remote Online Notarizations section of Kansas Notary, K.S.A. 53-5a21, and the handbook. |
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Complete online notary education Complete the SOS training and test at no cost (linked as “HERE” from the notary page). Save or print the certificate when you pass. |
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Start the online commission application Active notaries submit Form NC at any time before the current appointment expires. Upload the training certificate. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Use the certificate and platform from your chosen provider on file with the SOS. |
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Upload your electronic seal Notify the SOS of the provider you intend to use. The electronic stamp must show the current commission number. |
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Pay and submit $20 RON registration fee. Registration runs concurrent with the four-year commission. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not let the traditional appointment lapse. RON permissions follow that four-year commission.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
Amounts below are from Kansas Notary. Confirm them there before you pay. Bond premiums are paid to the insurer. RON platform costs are paid to the provider.
| Item | SOS fee |
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| Traditional notary education | Not listed as a required SOS course fee |
| RON training and test | No cost (Secretary of State) |
| Traditional application or renewal | $25 |
| RON registration (Form NC) | $20 |
| Surety bond | $12,000 coverage (premium paid to the bonding company) |
Official Kansas Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| Notary | sos.ks.gov/general-services/notary.html |
| Notary Handbook | sos.ks.gov/general-services/notary_public/NotaryHandbook.pdf |
| Notary questions | (785) 296-4564 | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. Apply as a tangible notary and obtain a commission number first. The electronic RON stamp must show that number.
Q: Does Kansas approve a list of RON platforms?
A: Yes. Choose a RON/IPEN provider on file with the Secretary of State. The office does not endorse a particular vendor.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Kansas Notary.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
