Costs & Fees
How much does it cost to become a Utah Notary Public?
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $55.00* | Non-refundable |
| Testing Fee | $40.00* | Non-refundable |
| Total Initial Cost | $95.00 | Paid to State |
| Retake Fee | $40.00 | If test is failed (within 30 days) |
| Bond (4-Year) | ~$50.00 | Paid to Surety Company |
| Notary Stamp | ~$25.00 | Paid to Vendor |
*Please note the application fee and testing fee are non-refundable. If you take the test later than 30 days after the original test date you will be charged the full $95.00.
Notarial Acts & Definitions
Understanding the specific types of acts you are authorized to perform is crucial.
What is a Jurat?
A certification that a signer has made a voluntary signature and taken an oath or affirmation vouching for the truthfulness of the document.
- Signer must be present.
- Signer is identified by notary.
- Signer swears an oath/affirmation.
- Signer signs voluntarily.
What is an Acknowledgement?
A certification that a signer has admitted to voluntarily signing a document. Unlike a Jurat, the signer does not necessarily need to sign in front of you (though they must appear in front of you to acknowledge the signature).
Tip: It is prudent to ask, “Is this your freely made signature?”
Oath vs. Affirmation
Oath: “Do you solemnly swear that the contents of this document subscribed by you are correct and true?”
Affirmation: (For those opposed to swearing) “Do you solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm that the statements made by you are true and correct?”
Signature Witnessing
Allows a notary to witness a signature or confirm identity without placing the signer under oath. The signer must still physically appear.
Copy Certification
Certifying that a copy of a document is identical to the original. Note: A notary may not copy certify a publicly recorded document (like a birth certificate or court record).
Process & Scenarios
No. We do not have the ability to notify you because background checks are done through a different agency. Applicants should continue the process of obtaining their notarial bond and oath of office without waiting for the results.
Standard Notary: While Utah law does not strictly require a physical journal, it is highly recommended. It is your only defense in court to prove you used reasonable care.
Remote Notary: YES. Utah law (UCA §46-1-13) requires all remote notaries to keep a secure electronic journal.
Pause before proceeding. Ensure the language complies with Utah laws. If there is a mistake, you must be the one to fix it. Cross it out, correct it, and initial the change. Do not let someone else fix it for you.
Utah law allows an “attorney in fact” to sign for a principal. You should use language that clearly reflects this. Example signature:
Jane R. SmithView Attorney-in-Fact Sample PDF
attorney in fact for
John Q. Smith, principal
Here is a translation table for common legal terms you may encounter:
| Affiant | Affidavit Signer |
| Attest | Certify |
| Depose | Swear |
| Execute | Sign, Executing, Subscribing |
| Instrument | Document |
| Legalize | Authenticate |
| Subscribe | Sign Verification |
| Upon Oath | Jurat |
Utah code allows this if you “personally know” the individual sufficiently to eliminate every reasonable doubt. However, you are responsible for proving this relationship if challenged. When in doubt, ask for ID.
Bonding companies report that over 2/3 of lawsuits involve deeds. Double your caution. Take special pains to identify the signer and ensure they are aware of the document’s importance.
Absolutely not.
It is a criminal act to impersonate a notary and is punishable by fine or imprisonment.
(Source: Utah Code Title 46, National Notary Association)