There are basic qualifications for a person to become a Notary in Kentucky. All applicants must be:
The SOS may deny an applicant for any act or omission that demonstrates the individual lacks honesty, integrity, competence or reliability as a Notary Public.
A Notary Public State at Large in Kentucky is authorized to notarize within the state, with documents recordable in or outside Kentucky. A Special Commission Notary is limited to notarizing for civil actions or legal proceedings originating in Kentucky, requiring a specific signature format acknowledging their Special Commission status for Kentucky recordation.
The state filing fee is $10. Additional costs for bonds and optional items like seals and journals vary by vendor. New and renewing Notaries face varying expenses for supplies and training
The process typically ranges from two to six weeks, factoring in the time for the Secretary of State to process your application and the subsequent steps at the county clerk’s office.
Notaries in Kentucky are commissioned for life, subject to bond or E&O insurance renewals every five years.
No specific training is required for Kentucky Notaries.
No specific exam is required for Kentucky Notaries.
While a Notary seal and journal are optional, they are recommended for professionalism and legal protection. Seals must include specific information and be designed for legibility. Although not mandated by law, maintaining a Notary journal, especially for electronic notarizations, is considered best practice.
A $1,000 surety bond is required for Kentucky Notaries, with many opting for additional E&O insurance to safeguard against potential legal costs. Notary commissions are for life, but the bond or insurance must be renewed and filed with the state every five years.
The Kentucky Secretary of State, which is in Frankfort, KY, issues Notary Public commissions.
Numerous reputable Notary Public training providers can be discovered through a simple online search. However, keep in mind that the Secretary of State neither conducts workshops nor seminars related to Notary training, nor endorses any businesses promoting such training. Given that the Secretary of State lacks authority to regulate these training providers, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate any company you consider engaging with for your Notary education.
Yes. Several companies offer Notary training, supplies, insurance and assistance with the entire application process. Also, the Secretary of State’s website has the application with submission details, if you want to get the process started on your own.
You will be able to notarize from anywhere in the state of Kentucky.
You can notarize for everyone, excluding yourself. You cannot notarize your own signature, nor can you notarize documents you are named in or would benefit from. Kentucky law prohibits Notaries from notarizing for a spouse or relative or any documents in which either of them has a direct benefit.
In Kentucky, Notaries are allowed to set their own fees. As a best practice, make sure the fees you charge are reasonable, and the signer is made aware of them prior to the notarization.
If you make any changes to your name, mailing address, email address, county of residence or signature, you must notify the Secretary of State within 10 days after making the change. You have to complete the Notary Public State at Large Change of Information application and submit the form along with a $10 fee payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
It depends. Even the most careful and detail-oriented people can make mistakes. As a Notary Public, any unintentional mistake you make or intentional misconduct you engage in could be very costly for everyone involved. Notaries have been sued for financial damages that signers incur, and lawsuits are expensive even if you’re innocent. If you are diligent in following the law and keep thorough records, you’ll be better prepared if any legal action does come your way.
The process to renew is the same as it is to apply for a new Notary commission. You should submit your renewal application no earlier than four weeks before your commission expires. You may purchase a new Notary seal to reflect your updated commission expiration date. You may also choose to get a new record book (journal) if your old one is full.
As of January 1, 2020, Kentucky Notaries can apply to perform remote online notarizations. The steps you must take to complete the registration process can be found in this practical guide or by scrolling down.
Kentucky Online Notaries must:
Once you meet your state requirements, you can officially start notarizing on BlueNotary!
Become an Online Notary is an easy way to offer convenient services and secure services to clients. Online Notaries offer faster booking and easier document completion! And it’s all totally legal! You can make extra money while not changing anything about your schedule. So what are you waiting for?
Like any other job, the work load for eNotaries can vary. The busiest time is generally tax season. However, there’s always going to be a steady demand for one-time documents. Plus, a lot of businesses have notary contracts.
Although online, eNotarization must follow state regulations. This includes checking for accuracy. Also, the most successful Online Notaries spend time doing their own networking to get customers.
As an eNotary, you decide which platform to use for finding clients. BlueNotary is an easy choice with simple start up. You get training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process.
Join our Facebook notary group! It’s a great place for advice from Kentucky notaries who went through the process. It’s normal to have questions along the way. We can answer them while helping to ensuring state compliance. It’s a great way to make money while keeping your day the same.
