Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Business
Notary Public Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for notary public in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Notary Public in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 10-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be 18 years of age or older. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien (must include recorded Declaration of Domicile). 3) Must be a legal resident of Arkansas, or resident of adjoining state, and employed in Arkansas.
- Must provide address of business or residence in this state. 4) Must be able to read and write English. 5) Must read and understand the duties of a Notary Public. 6) Must not have had a commission as a Notary Public revoked within the last 10 years. 7) Must have a $7,500 surety bond. 8) Must not have been convicted of a felony. 9) To become an e-notary, the applicant must already be an Arkansas notary public in good standing.
- Arkansas notary laws fully apply to e-notaries.
- Application
- 2
Must be 18 years of age or older. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien (must include recorded Declaration of Domicile). 3) Must be a legal resident of Arkansas, or resident of adjoining state, and employed in Arkansas.
- Must provide address of business or residence in this state. 4) Must be able to read and write English. 5) Must read and understand the duties of a Notary Public. 6) Must not have had a commission as a Notary Public revoked within the last 10 years. 7) Must have a $7,500 surety bond. 8) Must not have been convicted of a felony. 9) To become an e-notary, the applicant must already be an Arkansas notary public in good standing.
- Arkansas notary laws fully apply to e-notaries.
- Application fee: $20.00 (Commission is for 10 years) Online Examination: Must acquire an 80% passing score on a required exam for all new and renewing applicants.
- Exam is online and multiple choice.
- 3
Education: No educational requirements.
- 4
Experience: No experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 6
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 7
License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).
- 8
Application fee: $20.00 (Commission is for 10 years) Online Examination: Must acquire an 80% passing score on a required exam for all new and renewing applicants.
- 9
Exam is online and multiple choice.
Exam and processing details
- Must acquire an 80% passing score on a required exam for all new and renewing applicants. Exam is online and multiple choice.
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Secretary of State • Business and Commercial Services Division
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$44,840 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#38 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be 18 years of age or older. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien (must include recorded Declaratio...; Must be 18 years of age or older. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien (must include recorded Declaratio...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Must acquire an 80% passing score on a required exam for all new and renewing applicants. Exam is online and multiple choice..
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Must be 18 years of age or older. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien (must include recorded Declaratio...; Must be 18 years of age or older. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien (must include recorded Declaratio...).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Secretary of State~Business and Commercial Services Division and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $44,840, Notary Publics in Arkansas earn 7% below the national median of $48,360. Arkansas ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 10-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$44,840Hourly estimate
$21.567% below national median
Difference: -$3,520
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNotary Public Salary Ranking
#38 of 50 statesfor Notary Public median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Maryland | $60,470 |
| #2 | California | $57,020 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $55,370 |
| #4 | Hawaii | $54,260 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $53,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
Notary Public licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $44,840 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 10-18 years |
| Missouri | $44,120 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 21 years |
| Tennessee | $45,570 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $48,530 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $43,620 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $43,350 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $48,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 11 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Secretary of State • Business and Commercial Services Division
1401 West Capitol, Suite 250, Little Rock, AR, 72201-1094
Phone: 5016821010
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $84,310 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $38,620 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $64,180 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $81,930 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Notary Public in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 10-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Notary Publics in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Notary Publics.
What education do you need to become a Notary Public in Arkansas?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Notary Public licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Notary Public salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Notary Publics in Arkansas is $44,840. Salaries range from $27,100 (10th percentile) to $58,820 (90th percentile).
How does the Notary Public salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Notary Publics in Arkansas earn 7% below the national median of $48,360, with a state median of $44,840.
How many Notary Publics work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 1,000 Notary Publics according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Notary Public license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Notary Publics in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Secretary of State / Business and Commercial Services Division. Review agency details at https://bcs.sos.arkansas.gov/.
How often do you renew a Notary Public license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.