Becoming a commissioned Notary Public in Nevada involves several distinct phases. While preparation time depends on the applicant’s speed, the total timeline is primarily dictated by the state’s review and processing period. Generally, applicants should anticipate a total time commitment ranging from approximately four weeks to three months before they can legally perform notarial acts. This range accounts for training, administrative steps, and the variable processing time of the Nevada Secretary of State (SOS).
Meeting the Initial Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, individuals must confirm they meet the statutory preconditions established by the state. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be a resident of Nevada to qualify for a commission. Non-residents may apply only if they reside in an adjoining state and maintain regular employment or a place of business within Nevada. Applicants must possess their civil rights; those previously convicted of a felony must have had their rights restored. Individuals who have had a notary commission revoked in Nevada or any other state are ineligible to apply.
Mandatory Education and Examination
The preparation phase begins with mandatory training to ensure a thorough understanding of notarial duties and laws. All new and renewing applicants must complete a state-mandated course of study and pass an associated examination, as required by Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 240.018. This training must include a minimum of three hours of instruction covering the functions and responsibilities of a Notary Public.
The time required for this step depends entirely on the applicant’s schedule and study habits. The official examination requires a passing score of at least 80%. If the applicant fails the first attempt, they must wait a minimum of 24 hours before retaking the test. Successful completion yields a training certificate, which is required for the formal application submission.
Securing the Surety Bond and Preparing the Application
Applicants must obtain a $10,000 surety bond, which is a four-year policy protecting the public from financial harm due to a notary’s errors or misconduct. This bond must be purchased from a surety company authorized to conduct business in Nevada. Securing the bond is typically minimal, with instant delivery often available for the paperwork.
The applicant must then take the official oath of office and file the signed bond with the County Clerk in the county of residence or employment. The County Clerk issues a Filing Notice, which certifies the oath and bond are officially recorded. The final application package, including this Filing Notice and the training certificate, is submitted online through the Nevada Secretary of State’s SilverFlume portal, along with the $35 application fee.
The State Review and Commission Issuance Timeline
The state’s review of the application packet is the most variable and time-consuming part of the commissioning process. Once submitted, the Nevada Secretary of State’s office reviews the application, and processing times fluctuate significantly. Official estimates for receiving a commission range from three to four weeks to as long as six to eight weeks. This period is entirely outside the applicant’s control and represents the primary waiting time.
Several factors can lead to significant delays beyond the typical processing window. The application is reviewed in the order it is received, and missing information or incomplete documents will cause the application to be rejected or returned. Errors, such as submitting a digital signature instead of an original wet signature, lead to automatic rejection. The state may also require a background check involving fingerprints, further extending the review period.
Finalizing Your Commission and Starting Practice
Upon successful review and approval, the Secretary of State issues the Certificate of Appointment, officially granting the notary commission. The commission’s effective date is tied to the start date of the previously filed surety bond. The newly commissioned notary must then secure the final necessary supplies, including an official stamp or seal and a journal to record all notarial acts. The official stamp must adhere to strict requirements, including the notary’s name, commission number, and expiration date. Since vendors require the Certificate of Appointment to produce the stamp, this is the last step before the notary can legally begin performing notarial acts.