Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Business
Notary Public Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for notary public in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Notary Public in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
submit an official transcript of courses completed
- 2
submit a list of all course titles, numbers and credit hours in which they are enrolled
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Experience: No experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 6
Certification: Certification required.
- 7
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 8
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS A baccalaureate degree conferred by a college recognized by the Board, with a major or concentration in accounting.
- 9
This is defined as a minimum of thirty-nine (39) semester hours in business related subjects of which twenty-seven (27) semester hours must be in accounting subjects.
- 10
Provisional examination candidates (those who are currently enrolled in courses which will satisfy the education requirements above) may apply for the exam if they meet the required filing deadlines
- submit an official transcript of courses completed
- submit a list of all course titles, numbers and credit hours in which they are enrolled
- and submit a final official transcript showing completion of all educational requirements no later than June 15 following the administration of the May exam or January 15 for the November exam.
- 11
SPECIAL NOTE: Beginning with the May, 2000 examination, applicant must have completed 150 college semester hours including a baccalaureate degree.
- 12
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Examinations are offered in May and November annually.
- 13
The four-part (4) comprehensive examination involves multiple choice and essay questions on theoretical and practical accounting applications.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination fee | $140.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Accountancy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,490 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#27 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Notary Public licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; submit an official transcript of courses completed; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Examination fee: $140.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Accountancy and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $47,490, Notary Publics in Kentucky earn 2% below the national median of $48,360. Kentucky ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$47,490Hourly estimate
$22.832% below national median
Difference: -$870
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNotary Public Salary Ranking
#27 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $47,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $37,360 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $46,470 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $49,650 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $50,690 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $45,570 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $44,120 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 21 years |
| Illinois | $51,310 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | 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. |
- 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
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Accountancy
332 West Broadway, Suite 310, Louisville, KY, 40202
Phone: 5025953037
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $93,230 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $41,590 | Degree required | 1 month |
| Certified Public Accountant | $72,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $100,200 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Notary Public in Kentucky?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Notary Publics in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Notary Publics.
What education do you need to become a Notary Public in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Notary Public licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Notary Public salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Notary Publics in Kentucky is $47,490. Salaries range from $34,310 (10th percentile) to $63,730 (90th percentile).
How does the Notary Public salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Notary Publics in Kentucky earn 2% below the national median of $48,360, with a state median of $47,490.
How many Notary Publics work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 1,210 Notary Publics according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Notary Public license to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Accountancy. Review agency details at http://cpa.ky.gov/.
How often do you renew a Notary Public license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.