Notary Public

What is a Notary Public?

A notary public is an official of the Commonwealth of Kentucky appointed to take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, take verifications, certify that a copy of a document is a true copy, certify depositions, protest negotiable instruments, witness or attest signatures, and perform other notarial acts authorized by Kentucky Revised Statute. A notary public may also certify that a tangible copy of an electronic record is an accurate copy of the electronic record if the notary has taken reasonable steps to confirm the accuracy of that certification.

Notary Public State at Large: A notary public, state at large, is a resident or non-resident of Kentucky who is appointed by the Secretary of State under KRS 423.390 to perform notarial acts within the state of Kentucky.

An applicant for a commission as a notary public, state at large, must:

  • Be at least eighteen years of age
  • Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
  • Be a resident of, or have a place of employment or practice in the Kentucky county where the application is made
  • Be able to read and write English, and not disqualified under KRS 423.395.
How To Apply

Notary Public commissions are processed with the Real Estate Department at our Burlington office located at 2950 Washington Sq. Burlington, KY 41005. Notary Public commissions are valid for four (4) years and is governed by KRS 423.010.

To apply for a Kentucky Notary Public State at Large Appointment or Reappointment:

  • Complete the online Notary Application on the Secretary of State’s website to apply. A form signed by the County Clerk is no longer required.
  • Once approved, the applicant will be notified that a “Certificate of Appointment” has been made available to the County Clerk’s office for which they applied.
  • The applicant must then come to the Boone County Clerk’s Office to be sworn in. You must come to the Real Estate department located in our Burlington office – 2950 Washington Sq. Burlington, KY 41005.

Things to bring with you to our office:

  • A government issued I.D.
  • $19.00 recording fee (cash or check only)
  • Paperwork for your surety bond issued by an insurance company*
*As of January 1, 2020, the surety bond for $1,000.00 must be from an insurance company. Check with the insurance agency of your choice to request notary bond information.
FAQ's

Click here for general notary information from the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website.

Click here for frequently asked questions regarding notaries and notary services.

For any further questions, you may contact the Secretary of State at:
700 Capital Ave., Ste. 152
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-3490
https://www.sos.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx

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