How to Become a Notary in Idaho

Most people assume getting an Idaho notary commission involves classes, exams, or weeks of waiting. It doesn't. Idaho is one of the easiest states in the country for traditional notaries — no mandatory training, no state exam, and a straightforward six-step process through the Secretary of State's office. The whole thing typically takes one to two weeks from start to finish.

Here's exactly how to do it.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you spend a dime, confirm you qualify. Idaho Code § 51-121 sets the bar:

• At least 18 years old
• U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
• Able to read and write English
• Idaho resident, or employed at a physical location in Idaho

Criminal history matters too. Felony convictions and crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit can disqualify you under Idaho Code § 51-123. If you have a conviction, disclose it on your application; § 51-123 identifies these convictions as disqualifying grounds.

Step 1: Buy a $10,000 Surety Bond

Your first real step is purchasing a surety bond. Idaho requires a $10,000 bond that covers the entire six-year commission term.

A few things to understand about this bond:

• It protects the public, not you. If you make an error that causes financial harm, the surety company pays the claim — then comes after you for repayment.
• It costs between $30 and $130 for the full six years, depending on your credit. Most people pay around $50.
• The name on the bond must match your application exactly. First name, middle initial or name, last name, suffix — all identical to what you'll enter on the state application.

Sign the original bond document at the designated signature line. You'll mail this original to the state, so don't lose it.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Log into the SOSbiz portal at sosbiz.idaho.gov. Create an account if you don't have one, then select the Notary Public Application.

Enter your personal details — physical residential address (no PO boxes), employment information if you're a non-resident, and answer the background questions about criminal history truthfully.

When you're done, print the completed application. This printout includes your Oath of Office, which you'll need for the next step.

Critical deadline: You have exactly 30 days from the date you print this application to get it filed with the state. Miss the window and you'll need to start over.

Step 3: Take the Oath of Office

Take your printed application to an active, commissioned Idaho notary public. This notary cannot be you or your spouse.

In their physical presence, sign the application and the Oath of Office. The witnessing notary will execute a jurat — stamping and signing the notarial certificate on your application.

Finding a notary for this step is usually easy: banks, UPS stores, and law offices typically have one on staff.

Step 4: Mail Everything to Boise

Send the complete packet to the Secretary of State:

• Original notarized application (with signed oath)
• Original signed surety bond
• $30 filing fee (check or money order)

Mailing address: Office of the Secretary of State, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0080

You can also deliver in person at 450 N. 4th Street, Boise, ID 83702.

If you skipped the online portal entirely and used a paper application, add a $20 manual processing surcharge — bringing the total to $50. There's no reason to do this unless you can't access SOSbiz.

Government employees whose commission is required for official duties are exempt from the filing fee.

Step 5: Wait for Your Commission Certificate

The Secretary of State processes compliant applications in about 7 to 10 business days. Once approved, you'll receive your official Notary Public Commission Certificate with your unique commission number and expiration date.

You cannot perform any notarial acts until you have this certificate. Don't order your stamp early — you need the commission details first.

Step 6: Order Your Stamp and Supplies

With your certificate in hand, order a compliant stamping device. Idaho requires an inked stamp (not an embosser as the primary device) that meets specific dimensions:

• Rectangular: maximum 2.25 inches × 1 inch
• Circular: maximum 1.75 inches diameter
• Must include a serrated or milled border

The stamp should contain your name exactly as commissioned, your commission number, and the words "Notary Public" and "State of Idaho."

A journal isn't legally required for traditional paper notarizations in Idaho, but the Secretary of State strongly recommends keeping one. If you ever face a complaint, a complete journal is your best defense.

What About Training and Exams?

Idaho doesn't require either for traditional notaries. The Secretary of State offers a free, optional seven-chapter online course with self-testing quizzes at sos.idaho.gov — it's worth completing, but it won't affect your application approval.

If you want to add Remote Online Notarization (RON) to your commission later, that's a separate process with its own application, fee, and mandatory training. But for a standard commission, you can start performing notarial acts the day your stamp arrives.

Your Idaho notary commission lasts six years. It does not automatically renew — you'll need to go through the full recommissioning process starting up to 90 days before your expiration date.

For the complete filing sequence — including bond comparison strategies, stamp compliance verification, and the full RON integration process — the Idaho Notary Commission Guide walks you through every step with checklists and worksheets.

See more Idaho guides →