How To become Notary Public in Utah - Public Notary Services (2023)

What qualifications are required to become a Utah notary public?

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

1. At least 18 years of age
2. Utah residents who have been legally present in Utah for at most thirty days immediately prior to applying for a notarial commissioner.
3. You must be a citizen of the United States or have permanent residence status as per Section 245 of Immigration and Nationality Act.
4. Learn English to read, write and comprehend.
5. Submit a background check.

What are the steps to becoming a Utah notary public?

In order to become a Utah notary and receive a Utah notary commission, a notary applicant must:

1. You must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the previous section.
2. Create an account with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor at https://notary.utah.gov/qualifications-and-process/ (or click here).
3. After creating an account, take an online test and pay $95 to cover testing and administrative fees. To begin the testing process, go to http://notary.utah.gov/ (or click here).
4. After passing the online test, print and sign the notary form.
5. Get a $5,000 notary bond.
6. Have the oath taken in office.
7. Send the completed application, the original notary bond and the notarized office oath to the Office of Lieutenant Governor. Notary applications cannot be sent via email or fax.

Notaries will be emailed their Certificate of Authority of Notary Public issued by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

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

No

What is the cost of becoming a Utah notary?

An applicant for a Utah notary position may have to pay the following: (1) $55 to process the application for appointment or renewal; (2) $40 testing fee; (3) surety bonds; (4) notary stamps; (5) a journal, if the notary wants to follow the recommendation of the Lieutenant Governor that Utah notaries keep a record of their notarial acts; and(6) E&O insurance policy if the notary would like to protect himself or herself from liability.

How can I renew my Utah notary license?

Utah does not provide a mechanism for notaries to renew their notary licenses. However, they can use their current usernames and passwords for their reappointment applications. This includes following the initial appointment process, procedures, taking the exam, updating their personal information, and following the application for appointment. To apply for reappointment, a notary whose legal names have changed since the last notary commission must open a new account.

Is there any exam or notary course required to be a Utah notary public?

Yes. Yes. All applicants for a position as a Utah notary public or renewing notaries are required to pass an online test administered by the Office of the Lieutenant Gove. Each applicant must complete the online test with at least 61 points to be eligible for a notary commission. The online test has 35 questions and totals 65 points. Each applicant must create an account on the website of Lieutenant Governor to take the initial online exam. Once logged in, they will need a username/password. If applicants pass the online exam, they will be able to proceed with their notary applications. Applicants who fail to pass the initial online exam will be allowed to take the test again within thirty days. An additional $40 fee will also be charged. Online applicants who take the test within the 30-day period will be charged $95. Both the application fee and the testing fee are non-refundable.

What is the best way to electronic notarize in Utah?

Yes. Yes. Utah’s Code Annotated, Chapter 4 – “Uniform Electronic Transactions Act”, allows Utah notaries public to obtain electronic signatures and electronic seals to notarize electronic documents in person.

Are remote notarizations possible in Utah?

Yes. Yes. A notary public must first apply to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to obtain a remote certification before he or she can perform a remote initial notarization. Remote notaries must certify that all communication technology and identity verification used to remote notarize are compliant with UCA SS46-1-3. The remote notary application/certification process will be available for current Utah notaries beginning on November 1, 2019. To be eligible for remote notary certification applicants must be registered as active Utah notaries.

These statutory requirements must be followed when a remote notary performs remote notarizations via approved communication technology:

1. Remote notaries must be physically located within Utah. However, the individual could be geographically located anywhere in the country or state.
2. Remotely located individuals must be able to communicate visually with the remote notary using audio and visual communication technology.
3. An approved identity proofing method must be used to establish the identity of the remote individual.
4. Remote notaries must sign a notarial certification.
5. In the notarial certificate, the remote notary must indicate that remote notarization was done using communication technology.
6. Remote notaries must keep an electronic record of remote notarizations performed for remote individuals using communication technology.
7. Remote notaries must keep an audiovisual record of remote notarizations that were performed via communication technology for remote individuals.
8. Remote notaries may not charge more than $25 for remote notarizations.

What is the term of a Utah notary public commission?

A Utah notary public’s term of office is four years, beginning on the date indicated in the notary commission. A notary’s office may be canceled by resignation, death or revocation, (2) if a Utah notary has lost permanent residence in Utah during the term, (3) if the notary is not a citizen or permanent legal residents of the United States, and (4) if a Utah notary cannot read, write or understand English.

To become a Utah notary, do I need a Utah notary bond?

Yes. For any applicant for a new appointment as a Utah notary public or renewal of notaries in Utah, a $5,000 surety bond is required. The surety bond must only be issued by a company that is licensed and authorized to do business within Utah (UCA SS46-4). The Division of Risk Management will cease issuing bonds to state employees after May 8, 2017. The current Risk Management bonds that were issued to notaries public by the Division of Risk Management will remain in force until the expiration date. All state employees must obtain $5,000 bonds from an insurance company that issues a surety bond.

Remote notary certifications described in Section 46-1.3.5 are not valid until the notary public listed in the remote certificate files with the Lieutenant Governor has evidence that the notary has received a $5,000 bond along with the $5,000 bond to be commissioned.

What is the Utah notary errors or omissions insurance?

Utah does not require a notary errors or omissions policy. For their protection against liability, the American Association of Notaries strongly suggests that Utah notaries purchase an errors and omissions policy. The purpose of errors and omissions insurance protects notaries from being sued for negligence or financial loss. E&O policies typically cover legal fees and damages depending on what coverage is selected by a Utah notary.

Where can I do notarial acts for Utah?

A Utah notary is subject to statewide jurisdiction. He or she may perform notarial acts anywhere in Utah. A notary public cannot perform notarial acts in any other state than Utah.

Who appoints Utah public notaries?

Utah notaries are appointed by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The following information can be used to contact the Office of Lieutenant Governor:

Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Utah State Capitol Complex

Notary Office

350 N. State Street Suite 220

P.O. P.O. Box 142325

Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2333

801-538-1041

Fax: 801-538-1133

Email: notary@utah.gov

What do I need to buy a Utah notary stamp?

Yes. Yes. According to the Utah notary statute, all public notaries must use sharp, legible and reproducible ink impressions of official seals to authenticate their official acts. Section 46-1-16, annotated of the Utah Code Annotated, provides legal details regarding the layout and information required for all official seals.

DimensionsThe border of the official seal should not be more than 1 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inch. It must surround the words and seal.

Essential ElementsThese elements must be included in the official seal:

• Name of the notary public exactly as it appears on the commission
• The words “Notary Public”
• The words “State Utah”
• The words “My Commission Expires On______”, (commission expiration day)
• The notary’s number of commission, exactly as it is indicated on the commission
• Facsimile of Utah’s great seal

Notice:A Utah notary public must use purple ink for any official seals used in person. A remote notary must use a black official seal for remote notarizations. An embossed seal impression may be used by a Utah notary to replace the Section 46-1-16 photographically reproducible official seal.

Is it necessary to keep a notary book in Utah?

No. No. Utah notaries should keep a permanent, bound journal with numbered pages. This will allow them to preserve a record of each notarial act as a safeguard against potential liability. Visit the American Association of Notaries website, https://publicnotary.services/

What is the minimum amount a Utah notary can charge to perform notarial acts

Utah state statutes (UCA SS46-1-12) set the fees for notaries in Utah. Below is a list of the maximum fees that a Utah notary may charge for different notarial acts.

• Acknowledgments – $10.00 for each signature
• Affirmations or oaths without a signature – $10.00 Per Person
• Jurats – $10.00 per signature
• Certified Copies – $10.00 per page certified
• Signature witnessing – $10.00 per signature
• For each set of forms, $10.00 per person for immigration status

If the notary public is able to charge a travel fee not exceeding the approved federal mileage rate for performing a notarial service, the notary must explain to the person who requests the act that the travel fee is separate from it; (2) the notary explains the fact that the fee is not required by law; (3) the notary and person agree to pay the travel fee in advance.

“A notary must display an English-language fee schedule for notarial acts, but may also display a non English-language fee schedule” (UCASS46-1-12[3]).

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

The following notarial acts can be performed by a Utah notary:

• Recognize others
• Affirm or take oaths
• Jurats
• Certify copies
• Signed documents must be witnessed

How can I change my address to my Utah notary commissioner?

The notary must notify the Office of Lieutenant Governor within thirty days of any change in residential or business address. A notary must comply with the statutory requirement to change a notary’s physical address. He or she can (1) log in online at the Lieutenant Governor’s website, (2) call 801-538-1041, (3) email notary@utah.gov, or (4) fax 801-538-1133. What do I need to do to update my name on my Utah notary commission?

The notary must submit to the Office of Lieutenant Governor within thirty days of any name change: (1) The notary’s current name, along with official documentation (marriage certificate or divorce decree), (2) A bond policy rider that includes both the old and new names. If applicable, the notary must update their contact information. The notary must get a new seal and throw away the original seal. The notary does not have to adopt the surname of the spouse in order to change the name of the notary.

Where To Work As a Notary in Utah

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

We work with notaries all over Utah 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. Salt Lake City
2. West Valley City
3. West Jordan
4. Provo
5. Orem
6. Sandy
7. St. George
8. Ogden
9. South Jordan
10. Layton
11. Lehi
12. Herriman
13. Millcreek
14. Taylorsville
15. Logan
16. Draper
17. Murray
18. Riverton
19. Eagle Mountain
20. Bountiful