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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 Kentucky Secretary of State and your county clerk using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Kentucky issues a Notary Public, State at Large commission through the Secretary of State, then you complete the bond and oath with the county clerk. To notarize electronic records or remotely located individuals, register separately as an online notary using the SOS electronic registration process and a listed technology provider.
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 Kentucky Secretary of State and your county clerk’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a Kentucky notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Secretary of State, Then County Clerk
The $10 SOS application is not the end. You are not commissioned until the county clerk finishes the bond and oath. Online/RON registration is a later filing.
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Read KRS Chapter 423 and 30 KAR 8:005 The SOS application instructs you to know 30 KAR 8:005 and KRS Chapter 423. |
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Submit the $10 application Use online notary application or mail Notary Commissions, P.O. Box 821, Frankfort, KY 40602. Reappointment: not earlier than 60 days before expiration. |
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If you already hold a Kentucky commission, register for electronic/online acts before the first remote session Complete Electronic Registration Form and electronic/online registration submission after you begin provider onboarding. |
Part 1: Traditional Kentucky Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Kentucky notary public commission. You cannot register as an online notary until this is in place.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Use the SOS notary application instructions. If you do not get the approval email within 10 business days, contact the office for a new notice. |
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Complete traditional notary education Not listed on the official SOS application as a required pre-commission course or SOS education fee. |
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Obtain a $1,000 surety bond Post the required $1,000 surety bond with the county clerk in the county of commission when you take the oath. The SOS application fee does not replace this bond. |
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Submit the traditional application Pay $10 to the Kentucky State Treasurer with the SOS application. Then finish bond, oath, and certificate at the county clerk. |
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Receive your commission The county clerk issues the commission certificate after the oath and bond. Sign notarial acts in the same manner as on file with the SOS (KRS 423.360). |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Begin onboarding with each technology provider before you submit the registration form. You may register for electronic in-person only, or for remote online plus electronic in-person, using providers listed on the current form. Attach your electronic signature, electronic stamp, and digital certificate.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Electronic Registration Form, electronic/online registration submission, and 30 KAR 8:005. |
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Complete online notary education Not listed on the official registration form as a required SOS RON course or exam. Complete any training your chosen listed provider requires. |
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Start the online commission application Print, scan, and save Electronic Registration Form as a PDF before signing electronically. Mark electronic in-person only or remote online plus electronic in-person, and name the provider. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Apply your electronic signature, electronic stamp, and digital certificate on the form. Confirm the same credentials will be used on each platform you select. |
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Upload your electronic seal Submit the completed registration as posted on electronic/online registration submission. Remote online registrants submit updated forms online if signature, stamp, or certificate information changes. |
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Pay and submit Not listed as a separate dollar amount on the registration PDF captured for this checklist. Confirm any current registration fee on the SOS submission page before you file. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Keep the traditional commission current. Online registration is not a stand-alone commission. Reappointment applications cannot be filed more than 60 days before expiration.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
The $10 application fee is from the official Notary State at Large instructions. Confirm any electronic-registration fee on electronic/online registration submission before you pay. Bond premiums are paid through the county clerk / surety.
| Item | Listed amount |
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| Traditional notary education | Not listed on the official SOS application as a required course |
| Online notary education | Not listed on the official registration form as an SOS course fee |
| Traditional SOS application | $10 (Kentucky State Treasurer) |
| Electronic / online registration | Confirm on the SOS submission page (not printed as a fee on the registration PDF reviewed for this checklist) |
| Surety bond | $1,000 posted with the county clerk |
Official Kentucky Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| Notary application (online) | web.sos.ky.gov/notaries/SubmitApplication |
| Electronic Registration Form | web.sos.ky.gov/Forms/notary/ElectronicRegistrationForm.pdf |
| Submit electronic registration | web.sos.ky.gov/notaries/SubmitRegistration.aspx |
| Notary Commissions | (502) 564-3490 | sos.ky.gov |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. Complete the traditional SOS application and county-clerk bond and oath first. Only an active notary may register for electronic or remote online acts.
Q: Does Kentucky approve a list of RON platforms?
A: Yes. The current Electronic Registration Form lists technology providers. Begin onboarding with each chosen provider before you submit the form. This checklist does not recommend one provider.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use online notary application, Electronic Registration Form, and electronic/online registration submission.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
