How To become Notary Public in Kentucky

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What are the requirements to become a Kentucky notary public?

To become a Kentucky Notary Public, State at Large, a notary applicant must meet the following requirements:    

  1. At least 18 years old
  2. You must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent legal resident.
  3. You must be a resident or have a place to work or practice in the Kentucky county where you are applying.
  4. Learn English to read and write.
  5. You are not disqualified from receiving a commission under KRS423.395.

What are the steps to becoming a Kentucky notary public?

To become a Kentucky Notary Public, State at Large, and receive a Kentucky notary public commission, a notary applicant must:    

  1. You must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the previous section.
  2. Fill out the form to be considered for an appointment Form.
  3. Mail the completed application form to the Secretary of State with a filing fee of $10, or submit it online at http://web.sos.ky.gov/notaries/SubmitApplication. After the Secretary of State processes your application, the Certificate of appointment will be sent to you.
  4. Within thirty days of receiving notice, go to the county clerk of the county in which you are applying to: (1) Take the oath; (2) Submit a $1,000 surety bail; (3) File and Record the Certificate of Appointment; (4) Pay a filing fee.
  5. For questions about the bonding or oath process, contact the county clerk.

Notice:The Certificate of Appointment will be null if you fail to respond within the prescribed time or in a reasonable amount of time. Information about the notary commission process can be found at:http://web.sos.ky.gov/notaries/index.

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

Yes. Non-residents may apply for Kentucky notary public status if they meet the following conditions. Non-residents must meet the following requirements:

  1. You can be a resident in Kentucky state.
  2. You must have a place of work or practice in Kentucky where you are applying.
  3. You must meet the same requirements as Kentucky residents.
  4. Fill out an application form. Follow the same process as Kentucky residents to apply for appointments.
  5. Continuously maintain a place of employment or practice in Kentucky in the county of application/commission.
  6. If the notary is unable to reside in the county where he or she was commissioned, the notary must surrender his or her commission.
  7. If the notary stops working or practicing in Kentucky, he or she must relinquish their notary commission.

Notice:The Kentucky notary statute does not address the states bordering Kentucky.

What is the cost of becoming a Kentucky notary?

Kentucky notary applicants may have to pay the following expenses: (1) $10 filing fee for processing an application for appointment/repeal; (2) $1,000 surety bonds; (3) a notary stamp;(4) a journal to record notarial acts in a journal; (5) E&O insurance policies if they wish to protect themselves against liability.

How can I renew my Kentucky notary license?

Kentucky notaries may renew their notary public commissions by applying to the Secretary of State to be reappointed as notaries public before the expiration of their terms. Reappearment applications must be submitted in the same manner as for new appointments. 1) Fill out an application to renew your commission using the same number of the original commission as the expiration date; 2) obtain a $1,000 surety guarantee; 3) pay a $10 filing fee; 4) file the renewal commission, a surety bail, and take the oath with the county clerk named in the application. The Secretary of State must receive the application for reappointment no later than the expiration date of the current notary’s commission. The Secretary of State shall not allow a notary public state at large to perform notarial acts between the expiration date of the current commission and the effective day of any renewal commission (KRS423.390[8]). Download the application form to be reappointed as a Kentucky Notary Public State at Large.Form Send it online or mail it to the Secretary of States with a $10.00 charge.

Is there any exam or notary course required to become a Kentucky Notary Public or renew my Kentucky Notary Public Commission?

No

What is the best way to electronically notarize in Kentucky?

Yes. Yes. A notary public must first register electronically with the Secretary to become an online notary public before performing an initial electronic notarization. First, Kentucky’s notary statute stipulates that the document signer must appear in person before the notary public during the electronic notarization. The same rules, guidelines, practices, regulations, and standards that are applicable to traditional paper notarizations also apply to electronic signatures. This includes the personal appearance before a notary public. The Kentucky Secretary of State has yet to adopt administrative regulations that establish guidelines and standards, requirements, as well as procedures for electronic notarizations.

Are remote notarizations possible in Kentucky?

Yes. Yes. Kentucky notaries can perform online notarial acts using audio or video communication technology that meets the standards set by the Secretary. This includes identity proofing and credential analysis. To become an online notary public, a notary must first submit an electronic registration form to the Secretary.

How do you become an online notary public in Kentucky?

The notary public must be a commissioned notary; (2) register with Secretary of state by submitting an electronic registry; (3) provide proof that the notary has satisfied the legal requirements for a surety bonds; (4) file a surety bail with the county clerk; (5) take an oath, sign a commission certificate and pay fees. A notary public can perform electronic notarizations online or in person if they have met all the registration requirements.

An online notary public must be present when performing online notarial acts via an approved communication medium

  1. You must be physically located within Kentucky’s boundaries, even if the distant individual is geographically located elsewhere in the United States.
  2. Use audio and video communication technology to ensure that remote individuals are present with the online notary.
  3. An approved communication technology, which includes identity proofing or credential analysis, can be used to establish the identity of the remote individual.
  4. Inform all parties that the online notarial act is being recorded by audio-visual equipment.
  5. In the audio-visual recording, include a description of how the identity was authenticated for the remote individual.
  6. In the audio-visual recording, include a confirmation from the remote individual that the electronic signature was freely and voluntarily issued.
  7. For each online act, complete an electronic notarial certification
  8. In the electronic notarial language, indicate that the notarial act was performed online using audio-video communication technology.
  9. You can record the online notarization using an encrypted journal.
  10. Record and back up the audio-visual conference. This will be the basis of satisfactory evidence of identity for the online notarization.
  11. You must take reasonable precautions to protect the audio and video communication technology used for online notarization from unauthorised interception.
  12. You should take reasonable steps to ensure that the credential or registered device used to create an electronic signing is valid and current.
  13. Attach the electronic seal and signature of the online notary to the electronic certificate of electronic document. This will allow for independent verification and makes any subsequent modification or change to the electronic document impermissible.

An online notary public can perform an online act of notarization using approved communication technology. This is provided that the matter is not prohibited by the jurisdiction in which the remote individual is located at the time of the request. Kentucky laws govern the validity of any online notarial act performed online by a Kentucky notary public, regardless of where the remote individual is located at the time of the act.

The law that applies to online notarial acts is the same as for traditional notaries public notarial acts. Online notarial acts can be subject to the same liability, sanctions and remedies. The Kentucky Secretary of State has yet to adopt administrative regulations that set guidelines, processes, standards, procedures, and process for online notarial acts.

What is the term for a Kentucky notary public commission?

A Kentucky notary public’s term of office is four years, beginning on the date indicated in the notary commission. A notary’s commission can be null and void by resignation, death, or revocation. (5) If a Kentucky notary public ceases to be a resident or citizen of Kentucky. (7) When a US citizen or permanent legal resident is not present. (8) When a Kentucky notary cannot read or write English. 9) When a Kentucky notary becomes ineligible to hold a KRS 423.395 notary public commission.

Do you need a Kentucky notary certificate to become a Kentucky notary?

Yes. All applicants for a new appointment as notary public or renewing notaries must provide an assurance in the form of a $1,000 surety bond (423.390[5]). An authorized entity or surety must issue the assurance. The Secretary of State will prescribe the form for the assurance. It must include acts performed during the term that the notary has been appointed. The Secretary of State must be notified by the surety or issuing organization within thirty (30) days of cancellation or expiration. Only valid assurances are on file with the county clerk of the county in which the notary public is authorized to perform notarial acts within Kentucky.

What Kentucky notary errors or omissions insurance do I need?

Kentucky does not require an errors and omissions policy. For their protection against liability, the American Association of Notaries strongly suggests that Kentucky notaries purchase an errors and omissions policy. The purpose of errors and omissions insurance protects notaries against liability for notarial mistakes, omissions or losses that may result in financial loss or damage to clients or the public. A Kentucky notary can select the coverage that covers E&O policies. This policy typically covers legal fees as well as damages.

Where can I do notarial acts here in Kentucky?

After filing the commission and a surety bond, a Kentucky notary public can perform a notarial action in any Kentucky county. The oath must be taken in the Kentucky county where it was made. This is for as long as the surety bond and commission are in effect (KRS423.390[6]). A Kentucky notary cannot perform notarial acts in any other state.

Who appoints Kentucky public notaries?

The Kentucky Secretary of State receives applications to be reappointed or appointed as a notary public. She also administers the commissioning process and maintains an online database of active and inactive notaries. The following information can be used to contact the Kentucky Secretary-of-State:

Kentucky Secretary of State

Notary Commissions

700 Capitol Avenue, Suite158

PO Box 821

Frankfort, Kentucky 40602-0821

(502) 564-3460

What do I need to buy a Kentucky notary stamp?

No

Essential ElementsA notary public must possess an official stamp that includes (KRS 423.370), if he or she chooses to use a stamped stamp.

  • The Name of the Notary
  • Title
  • Jurisdiction
  • Commission Number
  • Date of expiration for commission

It must be possible to copy the stamp together with the record it is attached or logically associated with.

Notice:Kentucky’s notary public might need to authenticate a notarial document with an official stamp in order to meet the recording requirements of other states. This is especially true when notarizing deeds and other recordable documents.

Is it required to keep a notary book in Kentucky?

No. No. KRS 423.380[1] states that an online notary public must keep a journal in order to record all electronic notarizations performed by the notary public (KRS423.380[1]). Although a journal is not required under state law, the American Association of Notaries recommends that Kentucky notaries keep a permanent, bound journal with numbered pages. This will allow them to preserve a record of each notarial act performed and protect against claims of fraud and official misconduct. A Kentucky traditional notary public may find that a journal is essential for the execution of his or her notarial duties. The notary may find that a notary journal is essential to avoid liability. Visit us https://publicnotary.services/

What is the maximum amount a Kentucky notary can charge for notarial acts?

The state notary statute does not specify the maximum fees that a Kentucky notary may charge for notarial services. Section 423.430[1] in the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that a Kentucky notary public can charge a fee for a notarial act relating a tangible record or electronic record or for an electronic notarization. This fee must be in compliance with KRS64.300 and clearly disclosed to the person who requested the service.

Notice:Section 64.300 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes says that no fee or compensation will be allowed or paid to affix the jurat of the notary public any application, affidavit certificate or other paper required to support any claim for the federal legislation benefits for any person or their dependents who have served as a National Guard member or a reserve component, Army, Navy, Air Force Coast Guard Guard Guard Guard or Marine Corps of the United States.

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

The following notarial acts can be performed by a Kentucky notary public (KRS 423.310)

  • Recognize others
  • Affirm or take oaths
  • Verify the affirmation or oath by taking a verification
  • Attest or witness signatures
  • Certify copies
  • A protest of a negotiable Instrument is noted
  • Witnesses’ depositions must be certified
  • Any notarial act other than KRS 423.300 to 423.455 is allowed.

Notice:”A notarial officer can certify that an electronic copy is a true copy” (KRS423.310[5]).

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

If a Kentucky notary public changes his other name, (2) address or electronic mail address, (3) residential physical address, (4) county of residence, (5) county of employment, or (6) signature, the notary must notify the Secretary in writing within ten days. The Secretary of State must receive the notary public’s updated information within ten days of the date of the Notary Public Change of Information Form being modified. To download the “Notary Public Change of Information” form, go to http://web.sos.ky.gov/notaries/Forms.

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

If a notary public’s name changes during the term of his or her registration, he or she must file the following information with the Secretary of the State within ten working days: (1) A completed “Notary Public Change of Information Form”; (2) The notary commission number as it appears on the certificate of appointment; (3) Whether the notary is authorized to perform electronic or electronic notarizations; (4) The notary’s updated official signature or electronic signature; and (5) A $10 filing fee.

Where To Work As a Notary in Kentucky

You can work in many settings as a public notary in Kentucky. 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 Kentucky

We work with notaries all over Kentucky 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. Louisville
  2. Lexington
  3. Bowling Green
  4. Owensboro
  5. Covington
  6. Richmond
  7. Georgetown
  8. Florence
  9. Nicholasville
  10. Elizabethtown
  11. Hopkinsville
  12. Independence
  13. Frankfort
  14. Henderson
  15. Jeffersontown
  16. Paducah
  17. Radcliff
  18. Ashland
  19. Erlanger
  20. Murray