Kansas adopted RULONA (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts) in 2022. The bond requirement increased to $12,000 in January 2022, and the state requires a mandatory journal — but no exam. RON is fully authorized.
Under K.S.A. 53-5a (Kansas RULONA), the requirements are:
Kansas has a mid-range cost structure. The $12,000 bond (highest in the immediate region) is the largest expense, but bond premiums are reasonable due to competitive surety markets.
| Item | Required? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State application fee | Required | $25 |
| $12,000 surety bond (4-year term) | Required (since Jan 2022) | $35–$55 |
| Notary stamp/seal | Required | $15–$35 |
| Mandatory journal (since Jan 2022) | Required under RULONA | $15–$30 |
| RON registration fee (optional) | Optional | $20 |
| E&O insurance (recommended) | Optional | $25–$50/yr |
| Total to get commissioned | $90–$155 |
Effective January 1, 2022, Kansas notaries are required to maintain a mandatory journal under K.S.A. 53-5a22(2). This is a real change — previously optional. Every notarial act must be recorded with the date, time, type, signer name/address, ID method, and fee charged. Notify the Secretary of State if your journal is lost or stolen.
Kansas's process is fully online through the SOS notary system.
Get your 4-year, $12,000 bond from a Kansas-licensed insurance company. The surety must complete Section C of the appointment form (NO form) or the standalone NO-S form.
Get a Kansas-compliant stamp with your name (exactly as it will appear on commission), "Notary Public," and "State of Kansas." The stamp must be ready before submitting the application — an impression goes on the form.
Have another notary witness and notarize your oath of office. Either complete Section B of the NO form or use the standalone NO-O form. The oath can be performed remotely or electronically, but a wet ink signature must also be on file.
Either upload the completed NO form (with bond, oath, and stamp impression) via the online system, or complete the electronic appointment and upload the standalone NO-S, NO-O, and stamp impression separately.
Pay via credit card or e-check during online submission.
Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks. You'll receive your commission certificate, wallet card, and Kansas Notary Public Handbook by mail.
Kansas notaries can perform these acts statewide under K.S.A. 53-5a (RULONA):
Kansas allows notary-set fees — no statutory hard caps:
Wichita, Kansas City (KS), Topeka, and Overland Park are the main markets. The Kansas City metro area (including the Missouri side) creates unique cross-border opportunities — notaries commissioned in both KS and MO can serve clients on either side of the state line. Overland Park's concentration of corporate offices is particularly strong for routine business notarizations.
Kansas authorized RON under SB 106 (the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts), effective January 1, 2022:
Your Kansas commission is valid for 4 years. Renewal can start 90 days before expiration.
Renewal is the same process as initial application — same $25 fee, new $12,000 bond, new oath. No additional training or exams required. The renewal process is straightforward but doesn't involve an automatic reminder system, so set your own calendar reminder.
Kansas increased the bond from $7,500 to $12,000 effective January 1, 2022, as part of the broader RULONA adoption (SB 106). The reasoning was that the previous $7,500 amount was inadequate for modern transactions, particularly real estate. Bond premiums are still reasonable ($35-$55) due to competitive surety markets.
The Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts is a model statute drafted by the Uniform Law Commission. Kansas adopted it in 2022 via SB 106, modernizing notary law with clear definitions, electronic and remote notarization frameworks, and consistent procedures. About 12 states have now adopted RULONA. Kansas's adoption brought mandatory journals, the higher bond, and RON authorization.
Yes, since January 1, 2022. Every notarial act must be recorded in your journal with: date/time, type of act, description of document, signer's full name/address, identification method, and fee charged. This is a real change from before 2022. Both paper and electronic journals are acceptable.
Yes. Your commission is statewide regardless of where you reside or work.
Yes. Kansas allows residents of bordering states (Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma) who regularly conduct business or are employed in Kansas to obtain a KS commission. You'd be commissioned for Kansas only — your acts must take place in Kansas.
If your surety cancels your bond, they must give the Secretary of State 30 days notice. The SOS will notify you that you must file a new bond to maintain your commission. If you don't file a replacement bond within 30 days of notice receipt, your commission becomes inactive.
Kansas's RULONA framework, mandatory journal requirement, and modern RON laws make it one of the more progressive Midwest states for notary practice. The Kansas City metro creates strong cross-border opportunities. We're recruiting founding-cohort Kansas notaries now — 10 spots, $10 platform fee for life.
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