Notary Public in Iowa

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

payments

$30

Est. total cost

schedule

4-6 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a notary public in Iowa

To become a Notary Public in Iowa, applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, and able to read and write English. First-time applicants are required to complete a mandatory initial training course. The application, along with a $30 fee, is submitted to the Iowa Secretary of State. The commission term is three years for Iowa residents and one year for residents of bordering states who work in Iowa.

checklist Iowa requirements

Licensing body	Iowa Secretary of State
State license	Required
Education	Able to read and write English, and completion of a mandatory initial training course (effective July 1, 2020) for first-time applicants.
Exam	Not specified
Application fee	$30
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Reciprocity	Iowa does not have reciprocity for commissions, but recognizes notarial acts performed elsewhere.Reciprocal states: Iowa does not have reciprocity with other states; however, notarial acts performed in other states are recognized in Iowa if performed according to federal law or the laws of the jurisdiction where the act was performed.
Notes	Minimum age is 18. Must be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S. and a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in Iowa. Non-resident notaries must reside in a bordering state and have a 1-year term. No bond is required. A notary seal is required.

Source: Iowa Secretary of State

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Iowa? See whether Iowa recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Notary Public license reciprocity guide.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a notary public in Iowa? expand_more

In Iowa, becoming a notary public requires you to complete the required education (Able to read and write English, and completion of a mandatory initial training course (effective July 1, 2020) for first-time applicants.), pass the Not specified, and submit your application ($30 fee).

Is a notary public license required in Iowa? expand_more

A state license is required in Iowa. Iowa Secretary of State handles notary public licensing — the Not specified is part of the process.

How much does it cost to become a notary public in Iowa? expand_more

Plan on spending $30 total — that covers application fee ($30) plus your education and training.

What's the timeline to become a notary public in Iowa? expand_more

Expect to spend 4-6 weeks from start to finish in Iowa — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.