|
Application Procedures
Step 1: Complete the Notary Public Application
Please read the New Notary System Customer Guide before proceeding
To begin using the system, visit http://bcs.sos.arkansas.gov and create a FREE user account. When the log-in account has been successfully created, you will receive a confirmation email and will then be able to log into the system.
YOU MUST purchase a surety bond before you can proceed with the application renewal process. Please visit https://www.thenotarysstore.com/shop/ar.html to obtain a surety bond in the amount of $7,500.
New Applicants
- Select the "notary" drop down box to select the type of application.
- NEW Applicants will select "Notary Public Registration".
- Continue to follow the procedures to become a Notary Public in Arkansas.
New and Renewing Notary Packages
Renewing Notary Packages do not come with a notary journal
Our New and Renewal Notary Packages DO NOT include your required $7,500 Arkansas Notary Bond. The State of Arkansas requires purchasing your notary bond, which you will need to send along with your notary application.
Step 2: Purchase a $7,500 Arkansas Notary Bond you will need to order your notary bond separately.
Each applicant for the office of notary public for the State of Arkansas is required to purchase a 10-year $7,500 notary public surety bond. To order, enter the required information, scroll down through the page to locate the $7,500 Arkansas notary bond and oath form, and follow the instructions through checkout. Once you receive your official Arkansas notary bond from Notary Rotary, Inc. make a copy of the actual bond to include with your application.
Please visit The Notary's Store, you will be entering the Arkansas section for your notary supplies. We offer a New Notary Supply Package and a Renewing Notary Supply Package which includes your officially recommended Arkansas Notary Seal/Stamp and Arkansas Notary Journal, and other needed notary supplies at a special reduced price, but you will need to order your required 10-year $7,500 Arkansas Notary Bond separately. Arkansas law does not require a notary to keep a record of his/her official acts, but it is recommended to do so. A log book or journal will offer an excellent way of recalling past notarial acts. If a notary is called upon to testify in court, a log book or journal may help establish what actually took place. The Arkansas Notary Journal was specifically designed for this purpose, and contains many elements not available in other notary journals. To order, enter all required information and scroll down through the page to locate the notary packages, or you can purchase your notary supplies separately. Follow the onscreen instructions through checkout and your supplies will be sent to you as soon as your order is processed, and will be shipped usually in no more than 1-3 business day.
Step 3: Check your Application Package and send to the Secretary of State's Office
Your application materials should include the following:
- Your completed application form
- A copy of your official surety bond
- A check or money order for the application fee made payable to the "Secretary of State" in the amount of $20.00
- If you are a permanent resident alien you will also need to include your completed "Declaration of Domicile" form.
Once you have verified the above items are present and completed correctly, send them to:
Secretary of State
Business and Commercial Services
State Capitol
Little Rock, AK 72201-1094
Step 4: Receive your three originals of the Notary Public Certificate/Notary Public Oath forms and prepare them for filing
One original Certificate/Oath form as well as the original surety bond must be filed with the Circuit Clerk in the county of commission.
You will retain one original of the Certificate/Oath form after the clerk signs it for your own records.
Either you or the Circuit Clerk will need to return the final original completed Certificate/Oath form to the Secretary of State. You will need to check with the Circuit Clerk for instructions as each county handles this differently.
Be sure to make a copy of the actual bond for your records.
Once you have all of your paperwork and have received your supplies you will be ready to begin your duties as a notary public for the State of Arkansas.
Note: An Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy does not replace a bond, but will help to repay the bonding company if a claim is ever made. Errors and Omissions is not required by law, but may be purchased as it protects the notary public and pays for any charges the notary might owe for legal fees and costs should the notary be sued.
|
