Iowa is one of the easiest states to become a notary — no bond, no exam, no education required. The application is fully online via Fast Track Filing System. The catch: a relatively short 3-year commission term (1 year for non-residents from bordering states).
Under Iowa Code Chapter 9B, the requirements are:
Iowa is one of the cheapest states for notary entry — total startup is typically under $80.
| Item | Required? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State application fee | Required | $30 |
| Notary stamp/seal | Required | $15–$35 |
| Notary journal | Optional for traditional (mandatory for RON) | $10–$25 |
| Surety bond | Not required | $0 |
| Education course | Not required | $0 |
| Written exam | Not required | $0 |
| E&O insurance (recommended) | Optional | $25–$50/yr |
| Total to get commissioned | $45–$80 |
Iowa's 3-year term is shorter than most states (which use 4-5 years). This means more frequent renewals — budget for the $30 fee every 3 years. Non-resident commissions from bordering states are only 1 year, requiring annual renewal.
The whole process is online via Iowa's Fast Track Filing System.
Go to filings.sos.iowa.gov and create an account. This is the portal for the application.
Fill out the online application with your personal info, residency/employment details, and required affirmations.
Submit payment online via credit card or e-check.
Processing is typically same-day to a few business days. You'll receive your commission certificate digitally.
Purchase a stamp containing your name, "Notarial Seal," "Iowa," your commission number, and expiration date.
Once you have your commission certificate and stamp, you're ready to notarize. Iowa doesn't require a separate oath ceremony.
Iowa notaries can perform these acts statewide under Iowa Code Chapter 9B:
Iowa uses fee guidelines rather than hard statutory caps:
Des Moines and Cedar Rapids are the largest markets. Iowa's agricultural economy and concentration of insurance/financial services in Des Moines create steady notary demand for crop insurance, agricultural lending, and corporate documentation.
Iowa authorized RON. To perform RON in Iowa:
Your Iowa commission is valid for 3 years (1 year for non-residents from bordering states).
Renewal is the same process as initial application: new $30 fee, online submission via Fast Track Filing. The Secretary of State doesn't send automatic renewal reminders, so set your own calendar reminder 60 days before expiration. If your commission lapses, you're treated as a new applicant.
Iowa's 3-year term is shorter than the typical 4-year standard. The reasoning was administrative — shorter terms let the Secretary of State refresh notary contact information more frequently. The practical effect: more frequent renewals and renewal fees over time. Plan for the $30 every 3 years.
Iowa allows residents of bordering states (MN, WI, IL, MO, NE, SD) to be Iowa notaries if they work in Iowa. The shorter 1-year term reflects the higher risk of changed employment circumstances. You'd need to renew annually and re-verify your Iowa employment each time.
Yes. Iowa requires a notary stamp/seal on all notarial acts. The stamp must contain specific information (name, "Notarial Seal," "Iowa," commission number, expiration date). This is the one mandatory tool — most states require a journal too, but Iowa only requires the stamp for traditional notarizations.
Iowa is one of about 22 states that don't require notary bonds. Iowa relies on the notary's personal liability and the assumption that low-volume, straightforward notarizations don't require pre-funded public protection. E&O insurance is strongly recommended to protect yourself personally.
Yes. Your commission is statewide regardless of where you reside or work.
If you apply online and your application is straightforward (no criminal history flags), you can be commissioned same-day to within a few business days. Iowa has one of the fastest processing times in the country thanks to the Fast Track Filing System.
Iowa's low startup cost and fast processing make it accessible. Des Moines metro and Cedar Rapids have strong markets for mobile notary work in agricultural finance, insurance, and corporate transactions. We're recruiting founding-cohort Iowa notaries now — 10 spots, $10 platform fee for life.
Apply to Smoothquill →Founding cohort · 10 spots · $10 flat platform fee for life