How to Become a Notary in Georgia
Learn about Georgia notary requirements, commission process, fees, and more. Prepare with AI-powered supplementary training, adaptive quizzes, and a 24/7 AI tutor scoped to Georgia law.
Georgia does not require a pre-commission notary education course or examination for notary applicants. Applicants must apply through the Clerk of Superior Court in their county of residence (O.C.G.A. § 45-17-1 et seq.). Notary Mentor is supplementary only and does not replace any state-mandated requirements.
Georgia Notary Requirements at a Glance
Key facts about notary commissions in Georgia.
Remote Online Notarization
Journal Requirements
Georgia does not mandate that notaries maintain a journal of notarial acts for traditional in-person notarizations. However, maintaining a journal is strongly recommended as a best practice for liabil...
Fees & Seals
Georgia notaries may charge up to $2.00 per notarial act (O.C.G.A. § 45-17-11). The notary seal must include 'State of Georgia,' 'Notary Public,' the notary's name as commissioned, and the commission ...
Key Topics Covered for Georgia
Master these essential areas of Georgia notary law with our AI-powered training platform.
Acknowledgments
Under Georgia Code O.C.G.A. § 45-17-8 and § 44-2-15, a notary taking an acknowledgment must verify that the signer personally appeared, was properly identified, and acknowledged th...
Journals & Records
Georgia does not mandate that notaries maintain a journal of notarial acts for traditional in-person notarizations. However, maintaining a journal is strongly recommended as a best...
Identity Verification
Georgia notaries must identify signers through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence. Satisfactory evidence includes a current government-issued identification document beari...
RON Specifics
Georgia enacted SB 362, authorizing Remote Online Notarization effective July 1, 2022 (O.C.G.A. § 45-17-8.3 et seq.). Notaries must register with the Clerk of Superior Court as RON...
Prohibited Acts
Georgia notaries must not: notarize their own signature; perform notarial acts without the signer's presence (except RON); act when they have a direct financial or beneficial inter...
Fees & Seals
Georgia notaries may charge up to $2.00 per notarial act (O.C.G.A. § 45-17-11). The notary seal must include 'State of Georgia,' 'Notary Public,' the notary's name as commissioned,...
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Georgia
Mistakes that Georgia notaries frequently make — and how to avoid them.
Charging more than the $2.00 statutory maximum per notarial act, which is one of the lowest in the nation.
Not registering as a RON notary with the Clerk of Superior Court before performing remote notarizations.
Failing to retain RON audio-visual recordings for the required five-year retention period.
Notarizing a document in which the notary has a direct financial or beneficial interest.
Providing legal advice or document preparation services without being a licensed attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a notary in Georgia.
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