How to Become a Notary Public in North Dakota

In North Dakota, you must complete the licensing process before becoming a commissioned notary public according to state code Chapter 44-06.1. Notary publics are commissioned by the North Dakota Secretary of State to perform the following official notarial acts:

• Acknowledgments
• Verification on oath or affirmation
• Witnessing or attesting a signature
• Copy certification

Requirements for North Dakota Notary Publics 

To become a notary public in North Dakota, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
• Be able to read and write in English
• Be a North Dakota or bordering state resident or work in the state

If you meet these requirements, follow the six-step process below to become a notary public in North Dakota. 

How to Receive a Notary Public Commission in North Dakota

Step 1: Sign a notary oath of office 

When applying to be commissioned as a notary public in North Dakota, you must take an oath of office. Sign your Notary Oath of Office in the presence of a notary public.

Step 2: Purchase a North Dakota notary bond

The state of North Dakota requires a $7,500 surety bond to ensure that you will uphold legal standards and ethical conduct according to North Dakota Code: 44-06. 1-20.

You can buy the required $7,500 North Dakota notary bond for $50 instantly with SuretyBonds.com. Or, you can bundle errors and omissions coverage with your bond for $90-$120. This is recommended to protect yourself from legal damages for common notarization errors. 

Step 3: Submit your application

Complete the notary public application in the FirstStop Portal. You will submit your oath of office and bond documents with your application as well as the $36 fee. 

Make sure that the name you provide matches exactly how you will sign when performing notarial acts. For example, if you include your middle name or initial on the application, your signature must also include it when notarizing documents. 

Step 4: Obtain a notary stamping device

The Secretary of State will provide you with a Certificate of Authorization to Purchase Notary Stamping Device form as well as a Verification of Notary Public Stamping Device form when your application is approved. 

The authorization form allows you to buy a stamping device from your choice of vendor. See below for details on stamping device requirements.

Step 5: Return an impression of the stamp

Once you receive your stamping device, return an impression of the stamp on the Verification of Notary Public Stamping Device form provided in the previous step. The impression must be received by the Secretary of State on or before the date on your verification form.

Step 6: Receive your commission certificate

After the Secretary of State reviews and approves your stamp, they will issue a commission certificate. You are then able to begin performing notarial acts on the date listed on the certificate. 

Notary Stamp Requirements

Your North Dakota notary stamping device must meet the following requirements:

• Leave a clear impression
• Be able to be photocopied
• Include the words "Notary Public" and "State of North Dakota"
• Contain your name exactly as it appears on the authorization 
• Contain your commission expiration date
• Be surrounded by a border
• Not contain any other words, numbers, symbols, or reproduction of the Great Seal of North Dakota

Your stamping device must also adhere to the following size requirements:

• Circular stamp: Up to or equal to one 5/8 inch (41.28 millimeters) in diameter 
• Rectangular stamp: Up to or equal to 7/8 inch (22.23 millimeters) in height and two 5/8 inches (66.68 millimeters) in length

How to Renew Your Commission Certificate

A North Dakota notary public commission term lasts four years, beginning at midnight on the commencement date listed on the commission certificate and ending at midnight on the expiration date. 

To renew your commission, follow the same steps as before:

1. Sign a notary oath of office 
2. Obtain a notary surety bond
3. Submit your renewal application
4. Obtain a notary stamping device
5. Return an impression of the stamp

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Notary Commission Certificate 

The cost of becoming a notary public in North Dakota is typically around $115–$225. Exact pricing will vary depending on the surety bond and notary supply vendor you choose. You can expect the following expenses:

• Application fee: $36
• Surety bond: $50–$120*
• Supplies: Varies, typically $25-$70

*This estimate reflects SuretyBonds.com notary bond rates plus E&O coverage options. 

How to Become a Remote Online Notary in North Dakota

Once you have a commission certificate, you can also become a remote online notary (RON). To apply, file a North Dakota Notary Public Amendment through the FirstStop Portal. You will need to provide the following:

• Notification that you will be performing remote notarial acts
• Identification of the technologies you intend to use for remote notarization

The RON technology service you use must follow the North Dakota Century Code t44c06.1. For suggestions on a provider, read our Top 5 Remote Online Notarization Services blog.

More Resources 

• North Dakota Secretary of State
• North Dakota Code: 44-06. 1-20
• North Dakota Secretary of State: Credit Card Payment Authorization
• North Dakota Secretary of State: Remote Online Notarization
• North Dakota Secretary of State: Notaries Public
• Senate Bill Number 2232: Offices and Officers
• North Dakota Secretary of State: Notary Surety Bond Form