To become a notary in Utah, one must:
- Be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, able to read and write in English, and either live or work in Utah for at least 30 days.
- Create an account on the Utah Lieutenant Governor's website to complete a notary application, study for and pass a notary exam with a fee of $95.
- Submit to a mandatory background check through a signed waiver.
- Purchase a $5,000 surety bond.
- Take and notarize an oath of office.
- Upload the bond, notarized oath, and background check information to the Lieutenant Governor's website.
- After approval (usually within 1-2 weeks), receive a Certificate of Authority of Notary Public.
- Purchase an official notary stamp that meets Utah's requirements.
Keeping a notary journal, while not mandatory, is recommended as a best practice for record-keeping. The notary commission is valid for four years, and if the exam is not passed on the first try, a retake is allowed within 30 days for $40, after which the full fee must be paid again. This process is largely online, with key steps including application, testing, bond purchase, oath, and final certification by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Utah.
