Can You Become an Online Notary in Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas permits commissioned electronic notaries to perform remote online notarizations (RON) when they use technology approved by the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Arkansas's process is a little different from states that issue a completely separate "remote online notary" commission. In Arkansas, you first become a traditional notary public, then obtain an electronic notary commission. Once properly commissioned as an eNotary, you may perform remote notarizations through an approved RON solution provider.

Arkansas authorized remote online notarization through Act 1047 of 2021. The state's current guidance explains that an Arkansas eNotary in good standing may perform RON when approved technology is used.

Step 1: Understand the Difference Between an Arkansas eNotary and RON

An electronic notary, or eNotary, notarizes electronic documents using an electronic signature, electronic notary seal, and digital certificate.

Electronic notarization may take place with the signer physically present, or it may take place remotely through remote online notarization technology.

For a true remote online notarization, the Arkansas eNotary must use a solution provider approved by the Secretary of State. The RON system provides features such as secure real-time audio-video communication, identity proofing, credential analysis, and recording capabilities.

Step 2: Become a Traditional Arkansas Notary Public

Before you can become an online notary in Arkansas, you must first hold a traditional Arkansas notary public commission.

Arkansas applicants generally must meet the state's eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old, being able to read and write English, meeting the applicable Arkansas residency or employment requirements, and satisfying the state's commission history and criminal-history qualifications.

Obtain the Required $7,500 Surety Bond

Arkansas requires a $7,500 surety bond as part of the traditional notary commission process.

The $7,500 figure is the amount of the bond, not necessarily the amount you will pay to purchase the bond.

Do not confuse E&O insurance with the surety bond. The $7,500 surety bond is a state requirement for the traditional Arkansas notary commission.

Complete the Traditional Commission Process

New applicants create an account through the Arkansas Secretary of State's online notary system, complete the required notary exam, submit the application and required documents, and follow the state's oath and filing procedures.

After approval, the applicant must complete the required county and Secretary of State filings before the commission becomes valid. Arkansas traditional notary commissions are issued for a 10-year term.

Step 3: Make Sure Your Arkansas Commission Is in Good Standing

You cannot skip directly to the electronic notary application. Arkansas requires you to already be a traditional Arkansas notary public in good standing before you apply for an electronic notary commission.

If you are applying for your first Arkansas notary commission, complete the traditional commissioning process first. Once your traditional commission has been fully processed and is in good standing, you can move on to the eNotary application.

Step 4: Apply for an Arkansas Electronic Notary Commission

Once your traditional commission is in good standing, complete the Online Application for Electronic Notary Commission through the Arkansas Secretary of State's filing system.

The current online eNotary filing cost is:

• $20 eNotary application filing fee
• $5 online convenience fee
• $25 total for the electronic filing

Arkansas currently instructs applicants to file an amendment for the eNotary initial application through the state's online notary system.

Step 5: Complete the Required Arkansas eNotary Training and Exam

After the Arkansas Secretary of State accepts your eNotary application, you must complete the state's required electronic notary training and pass the required examination.

The Secretary of State currently identifies the American Society of Notaries (ASN) as the provider of the online eNotary training and examination.

The current fee for the combined training and examination is $30.

Follow the Secretary of State's current instructions for providing proof that you completed the training and passed the examination.

Step 6: Select an Arkansas-Approved RON Solution Provider

After successfully completing the eNotary process, choose a remote online notarization solution provider approved by the Arkansas Secretary of State.

This is an important step because Arkansas requires approved RON technology for notarizations in which the signer is not physically present with the notary.

Approved RON systems provide technology designed to support Arkansas's requirements, including:

• Real-time audio and video communication
• Signer identity proofing
• Credential analysis
• Secure electronic signing and notarization
• Electronic notary signature and seal capabilities
• Recording and record-retention functionality

The state's list of approved providers can change, so always check the current Arkansas Secretary of State list rather than relying on an older list found elsewhere online.

Step 7: Follow Arkansas Remote Online Notarization Rules

Becoming commissioned is only the beginning. Each remote notarization must also comply with Arkansas's RON requirements.

You Must Be Physically Located in Arkansas

When performing a remote online notarization under your Arkansas commission, you, the notary, must be physically located in Arkansas.

The signer does not need to be physically present with you and may be located outside Arkansas. Transactions involving a remotely located individual outside the United States can be subject to additional statutory requirements.

Verify the Signer's Identity

Identity verification remains one of the notary's central responsibilities during a remote notarization.

Arkansas-approved RON technology uses tools such as credential analysis and identity proofing to help establish the identity of a remotely located signer.

Use Secure Real-Time Audio and Video

The communication technology must allow the online notary and remotely located signer to communicate simultaneously by sight and sound.

Complete the Electronic Notarial Certificate

Electronic and remote notarizations still require a properly completed notarial certificate. Arkansas law also requires the electronic notarial certificate for an online notarial act to indicate that the notarization was performed online.

Maintain the Required Electronic Record

Arkansas requires a secure electronic record of an online notarial act. Records associated with remote online notarizations must be maintained for at least five years.

Step 8: Keep Your Arkansas eNotary Status Current

Arkansas electronic notaries have ongoing responsibilities after becoming commissioned.

Complete Refresher Training Every Two Years

Arkansas eNotaries must complete refresher training every two years to remain current on state requirements, procedures, and best practices.

The Arkansas Secretary of State currently lists the refresher training fee as $30.

Keep Your Information Updated

Changes to required personal or commission information should be reported to the Arkansas Secretary of State within the period required by the state. The current handbook requires specified changes to be reported within 30 days.

You should also keep your information current with your electronic or RON solution provider.

Watch Your Traditional Commission Expiration Date

Your Arkansas electronic notary commission runs concurrently with your traditional notary commission. It does not create a separate new 10-year term.

When the underlying traditional commission expires, the electronic commission expires as well.

How Much Does It Cost to Become an Online Notary in Arkansas?

Your total cost can vary depending on your surety bond provider, county filing costs, notary supplies, and the RON technology provider you select. Some of the key state-related requirements include:

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Online Notary in Arkansas