Notary Public in Kentucky
Browse 69 cities in Kentucky to find a notary public near you.
Kentucky notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State and serve a 4-year term. Louisville and Lexington have active markets for notary services, and mobile notaries commonly serve both urban professionals and the state's many rural communities for real estate closings and estate planning documents. Kentucky sets no statutory fee cap — notaries set their own rates, so it's reasonable to ask upfront. Remote online notarization is legal in Kentucky, an option that has grown more common since the state authorized it. Kentucky's notary bond is a modest $1,000 — among the lowest in the country — with training required but no exam; the state also uses 'record book' terminology rather than journal.
Is this notary really commissioned?
Anyone can claim to be a notary. Before you rely on one for an important document, it costs nothing to check that their commission is real, active, and hasn't expired.
Kentuckydoesn't offer a free public tool to look up an individual notary's commission status online. To verify one, contact the Kentucky Secretary of State at web.sos.ky.gov/notary/ directly.
What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, Kentucky law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at No state maximum — notary sets a reasonable fee. A notary who charges more than the legal maximum for a standard act is breaking the law — you're entitled to ask what they charge before they begin.
What to expect
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — the notary can't proceed without one.
- Your notary is required to record the transaction in a record book — expect to sign it and provide some basic details.
- Every document is marked with the notary's official stamp or seal, confirming the notarization is complete.
Remote Online Notarization
Kentucky has adopted RON — documents can be notarized over a live video call.
Full RON details →For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in Kentucky
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | $1,000 bond required |
| Training course | Required |
| State exam | Not required |
Total cost to become a notary in Kentucky typically runs $64, covering the application, bond, training, and supplies.
Full guide to becoming a notary →Sourced from the National Notary Association, verified July 2026. Confirm current requirements with the Kentucky Secretary of State.