1. Who can become a Connecticut Notary?
2. How to become a Connecticut notary
3. Notarial duties in Connecticut

What are the requirements to become a Connecticut notary public?

To become a Connecticut notary public, a notary applicant must meet the following requirements:

4. You must be 18 years old or older.
5. You must be a Connecticut resident or have a principal business location in Connecticut.
6. Pass a written exam approved or administered to you by the Secretary of States.

What are the steps to becoming a Connecticut notary public?

To become a Connecticut notary public and receive a Connecticut Certificate of Appointment, a notary applicant must:  
1. You must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the previous section.
2. 2. All applicants must have a valid email address. All correspondence will be sent directly to this address.
3. Pass the written exam that is part of the online application for notary public and receive a score of 100%.
4. You will need to complete a writing sample and a jurat during the online application process. The writing sample must be in handwritten form. A jurat must be signed and sworn before any person authorized to administer an Oath. __S.31__
5. 5. Have the certificate of character, which is part of your application, completed and signed by a public official, a reputable company or professional who is not related to the applicant and has known them for at least one-year.
6. Complete all requirements and pay $120 filing fee.
7. Go to the eLicense website at https://www.elicense.ct.gov to register for an account. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the application.
8. After receiving the Certificate of Appointment from the Secretary of State, take an oath of office in front of a clerk of the town or notary public.
9. Within thirty days of receiving the Certificate, record the Certificate and take the Oath of Office with the Town Clerk in the town where the notary public resides. A $20 filing fee is required.
Take Notice:Failure to submit an application if it is pending in the system for more than ninety days can result in the applicant being disqualified. The applicant will be given ninety days to rectify any deficiencies in the submitted application or they will lose their application and the fee.
A Secretary of State can deny or reappoint an application to be a notary public. This could be based on the following: (1) the applicant’s conviction for a felony, or a crime involving dishonesty, moral turpitude, (2) the revocation, suspension or restriction of a state-issued notary public job or professional license, or (3) the applicant’s misconduct, regardless of whether any disciplinary actions have been taken. These actions could indicate that the applicant would struggle to meet the high standards of honesty and integrity all notaries public must uphold.

Is it possible for a non-resident to become a Connecticut notary?

Yes. Non-residents can become Connecticut notaries public. In order to qualify, a nonresident must:

7. You must meet the same eligibility requirements as Connecticut residents.
8. At the time of appointment and application, maintains the principal business location in Connecticut.
9. You can fill out an Application for Appointment to a Notary Public Form online or in your own handwriting.
10. Pass the written exam that is included in the online notary public applications.
11. Online application: Complete a writing sample and a jurat. __S.61__
12. Complete the certificate of character as a part of your application and have it signed by a public official, reputable business owner or professional who is not related to the nonresident.
13. Complete all requirements and pay a $120 filing fee.
14. Go to the eLicense website at https://www.elicense.ct.gov to register for an account and follow the onscreen prompts to complete the notary application.
15. After receiving the Certificate of Appointment from the Secretary of State, take an oath before a clerk in your town or notary public.
16. Within thirty days of receipt of the certificate, record the Certificate of Appointment as well as the oath of office at the town clerk. Also, pay $20 for a filing fee.

What is the cost of becoming a Connecticut notary?

The following expenses could be incurred by a Connecticut notary:

17. A $120 filing fee is required to complete an application to be appointed as a notary public.
18. A $60 filing fee is required to renew an appointment as a notary public.
19. There is a $20 filing fee that will be charged to register the notary’s oath and Certificate of Appointment with the town clerk.
20. Optional: The cost of a notary seal to authenticate all notarial acts.
21. A journal that records all notarial acts as prescribed by the Secretary.
22. Optional: The cost of a notary surety bonds
23. If a notary public wants to purchase an error and omissions policy for personal protection, the fee will be charged.

How can I renew my Connecticut notary license?

The Secretary of State will send a notary public a letter by email or postal mail three months before the expiration of his or Her commission. This notary will inform the public of the expiration of her or His or Her commission and provide a PIN for quick track renewal. A notary public can renew his or her license within ninety days. The renewal correspondence will contain log-in information. The notary public must then swear that he/she has not been convicted for any crime since his/her last appointment and pay $60.00. The notary will receive a new Certificate of Appointment. As with an original appointment the notary must also take the oath and register his or her commission with the clerk. A notary public must complete a reinstatement request, which includes the exam, within ninety days to be reappointed for a second term. If a notary public did not receive the renewal notification from the Secretary of State or needs another one, he or she must request another renewal notification by email from the Secretary of State at [email protected].

Is there an exam or other course that is required in order to become a Connecticut Notary Public or renew my Connecticut Notary Public Commission?

Yes. Yes. All applicants to a Connecticut Certificate of Appointment must pass the written exam that is included in the online notary public application. This examination will test the applicant’s knowledge and ability in performing his or her duties as a notary public.

Is it possible to have an electronic notarization done in Connecticut?

Yes. Yes. Connecticut has yet to adopt any statutes or regulations that set rules, guidelines, standards and procedures for electronic notarizations. The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act has been adopted by Connecticut, and includes the provisions on acknowledgment and notarization. This allows for electronic signatures to be used by Connecticut notaries. Section 1-276 says that a law may require a signature or record be notarized or acknowledged, verified, or made under oath if an electronic signature of the person authorized is attached to the signature or record. This is in addition to the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act, which authorizes Connecticut notaries public to use electronic signatures. The same rules, guidelines, practices, and regulations that are applicable to traditional paper notarizations also apply to electronic signatures. This includes the personal appearance before a notary public. Although the Connecticut Secretary of State has not yet adopted regulations to govern electronic notarial acts, they have established standards and practices.

Can I do remote (online) notarizations here in Connecticut?

Yes, temporarily. Executive Order 7Q was signed by Ned Lamont, Connecticut’s Governor, allowing remote notarization to be used effective March 30, 2020. Executive Order 7Q, signed by Governor Ned Lamont, authorized remote notarization. It became effective March 30, 2020. Executive Order 7Q provides that all applicable state laws and regulations have been modified to allow any notarial act required by Connecticut law to use an electronic device or process. This allows a Connecticut Secretary of State (“Notary Public”), or a Commissioner or Superior Court (defined by Section 51-85) and a remote individual to communicate simultaneously via sight and sound using communication tech provided certain conditions are met. For example, the signatory must affirmatively state that they are physically located in Connecticut. A notary public must inform the Connecticut Secretary of State that the notary public will be performing notarial acts for remote individuals before he or she can perform the initial notarial act. The Connecticut Secretary of state has not yet established standards or adopted temporary regulations to allow remote notarial acts to be performed for individuals who are geographically distant.

What is the term for a Connecticut notary public commission?

A Connecticut notary public’s term of office is five years, beginning on the date of their appointment and ending on the last day of the month. Unless (1) the Secretary of State suspends or terminates such appointment before it expires; (2) the notary publicly resigns; or (3) the notary general ceases to be a Connecticut resident or have a principal business place in the state (CGSSS3-94ca).

Do I need a Connecticut notary certificate to become a Connecticut notary?

No.

What Connecticut insurance do I need for notary errors and omissions?

No. No. E&O insurance is optional for public notaries who apply to be appointed or reappointed. For their protection against liability, the American Association of Notaries strongly suggests that Connecticut notaries public purchase an errors and omissions policy. The purpose of errors and omissions insurance protects notaries public against liability for unintentional notarial errors or omissions that cause financial or other loss to the public, or clients who sue a notary public to recover. E&O policies typically cover legal fees and damages depending on what coverage is selected by a Connecticut notary public.

Where can I do notarial acts within Connecticut?

The Connecticut notary public is subject to statewide jurisdiction. He or she may perform notarial acts wherever Connecticut’s geographic boundaries allow.

Who appoints Connecticut public notaries?

The Connecticut Secretary of State oversees all applications for reappointment and appointment of notaries public. She also processes remote notary public applications and manages the commissioning process. Contact the Connecticut Secretary of state:

Connecticut Secretary of State
Notary Public Unit
PO Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470
(860) 509-6002
Email: [email protected]

What do I need to buy a Connecticut notary stamp?

An official notarial seal can be used if desired.
Essential ElementsA notary public may use a notarial stamp. The notary must attach an impression of the seal to the notary’s signature on a certificate.

24. The notary’s full name as it appears on the certificate of appointment.
25. The words “Notary Public”
26. The word “Connecticut”
27. The words “My Commission Expires (Commission Expiration Date)”

A notary public who does not use a seal must write or type legibly next to the notary’s signature on a certificate. Section 3-94ja says that the seal cannot be used by anyone else or given to any employer after termination of employment.

Is Connecticut required to keep a notary public?

No. No. Connecticut law doesn’t require notaries public to keep a record of their notarial acts. The Secretary of State and American Association of Notaries strongly suggest that Connecticut notaries public keep a journal of their notarial acts in an organized, permanent, paper-bound journal. This journal should be sequentially numbered to prevent fraud and protect against liability. Record keeping is essential to protect notaries public and prevent fraud. Clear and concise documentation in notarial journals will ensure that notaries public are protected. Particularly important is accurate record keeping when years have passed since the notarial act was executed.
The Secretary of State suggests that Connecticut notaries record the following information about each transaction: (1) the date, time, and nature of the notarial acts performed; (2) the type or nature of the proceeding; (3) a description; (4) the signature, written name, and address for each person for whom a document or proceeding is executed; (5) how a person’s identity was determined; (6) the cost of the notarial acts; and (7) where they were performed.
The American Association of Notaries suggests that Connecticut notaries public (a) not give their journals or records to any other notary public upon termination of employment; and (b) keep their journals for seven year after the expiration of their last commission in which an entry was made in the journals; and (c), leave instructions for the delivery or mailing of their journals to the Secretary of States in the event of their death.

What is the maximum amount a Connecticut notary can charge for notarial services?

Connecticut’s notary fees are determined by the state statute (CGSSS3-95). Below is a list of the maximum fees that a Connecticut notary public can charge for notarial services.

28. Take an acknowledgement – $5.00
29. Administering an affirmation or oath – $5.00
30. For a jurat – $5.00
31. Take a deposition – $5.00
32. Copy certification – $5.00
33. Protest – $5.00

Notice:For each mile traveled to perform a notarial function, a notary public might charge $0.35

What notarial acts is a Connecticut notary public allowed to perform?

These notarial acts can be performed by a Connecticut notary public (CGSSS3-94a or 1-57).

34. Recognize others
35. Affirm or take oaths
36. Jurats
37. Depositions taken and subpoenas issued for depositions in civil proceedings and probate proceedings (CGSSS52-148a to148e).
38. Certify copies
39. Execute protests (CGS-SS42a-505[b]).

How can I change my Connecticut address for my notary commission?

All Connecticut notaries public must notify the Secretary of State of any change in their residence address within 30 days. Non-resident notaries must have a principal business place in Connecticut. They must also report any changes in their residence or business address. If a notary public needs to report an address change, he or she should email the Secretary of State at [email protected]. The Secretary of state will send the notary public an email with a link to reset his or her password. This will allow the notary public to make the address change free of charge. To request assistance with logging in, a notary public may email [email protected] for password reset instructions. This will allow the notary to log in and change his/her address.

What do I need to do to update my Connecticut notary commission name?

A Connecticut notary public must complete the following steps if he or she changes his/her name during the term of their appointment.Change of name Send it to the Office for the Secretary of [email protected]. The Office of the Secretary of State will send the notary public an invoice for the $15 fee to change a name. After the $15 fee has been paid, the notary public will be emailed a replacement certificate with the new name. The Secretary of State must receive a Change of Name form. It must contain the notary public’s old name and the new one, as well as the effective date of new name, reason for name change and supporting documentation. The form must also be notarized.
The notary public does not have to swear an oath upon receipt of a replacement certificate of appointment. However, if the notary has moved to another town or principal place, the replacement certificate must also be recorded with that town’s clerk. The notary public may use a notarial stamp to authenticate a notarial document. However, the notary must obtain a new notarial stamp that includes the notary’s name. Download the document from the Secretary of State website Name Change Form.

Where To Work As a Notary in Connecticut

You can work in many settings as a public notary in Connecticut. Whether you decide to work for a law firm, real estate agency or a government job, there are many options available. You can also work for yourself as a mobile notary.

Where To Find Clients in Connecticut

We work with notaries all over Connecticut to help them find more business and make more money. If you would like to join our notary network, contact us today for more information. We work with notaries in all cities including:

1. Bridgeport
2. New Haven
3. Stamford
4. Hartford
5. Waterbury
6. Norwalk
7. Danbury
8. New Britain
9. West Hartford
10. Bristol
11. Meriden
12. West Haven
13. Milford
14. Stratford
15. East Hartford
16. Middletown
17. Shelton
18. Norwich
19. Trumbull
20. Torrington