Notaries
Commissions, search, and training
The office runs the notary application and renewal process, keeps a public search of Arkansas notaries, and publishes the Notary Public and eNotary handbook.
Applicants use the online filing portal. The office also publishes a user guide, change-of-information forms, affidavit templates, a notario-publico disclaimer, a complaint form, and an online notary exam.
Non-resident spouses of U.S. military members working or operating a business in Arkansas may apply under Act 215 of 2019 by contacting the office.
eNotary and remote online notarization
The Secretary of State commissions notaries who perform electronic notarial acts. An eNotary uses a digital signature, seal, and certificate on digital documents.
Arkansas law allows in-person electronic notarization and remote online notarization through approved solution providers. A person must hold a traditional notary commission in good standing before applying for an eNotary commission, then complete office-required training and an exam.
Apostilles and authentications
The same division issues apostilles and certificates of authentication so notarized public documents can be used in other countries, including Hague Convention countries.
Requests can be prepared through the BCS portal. That is a document-authentication duty of this office, not a substitute for a notary’s own act.
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