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Vermont Notary Public — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Temporary License During a Declared State of Emergency

Conditional emergency authorization under 3 V.S.A. section 129(a)(10), ending at the termination of the emergency or after 90 days, whichever occurs first; may be reissued while the emergency continues.

Licensing authority: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Emergency temporary authorization when licensing examinations are unavailable
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Emergency
Declared state of emergency; issuance is discretionary.
Fees
Fees waived for services under section 129(a)(10).
Qualification
Graduate of an approved education program during a period when licensing examinations are not reasonably available; OPR must determine whether the applicant satisfies this statutory alternative.
Term
Until termination of the declared emergency or 90 days, whichever occurs first; may be reissued while the emergency continues and good standing continues.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Emergency temporary authorization for a licensee from another jurisdiction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Emergency
Declared state of emergency; issuance is discretionary.
Fees
Fees waived for services under section 129(a)(10).
Other License
Currently licensed, in good standing, and not subject to disciplinary proceedings in another jurisdiction.
Term
Until termination of the declared emergency or 90 days, whichever occurs first; may be reissued while the emergency continues and good standing continues.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Honorary license

Discretionary recognition for outstanding service to the profession; expressly confers no right or privilege to practice.

Licensing authority: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Discretionary honorary licensure for outstanding professional service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Decision
Recognition is at OPR’s discretion.
Practice
Honorary license expressly confers no right or privilege to practice the profession.
Service
Demonstrated outstanding service to the profession.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Notary public commission (judiciary-related employee)

Official-duty commission obtained by judiciary-related employees; 26 V.S.A. section 5305(a)(1)(A)(ii) expressly provides that this commission is not considered a license. Outside official duties the ordinary commission requirements apply.

Licensing authority: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Official duty commission application for judiciary related employees
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for a commission, supply age and Vermont residence or place of business, and submit the signed oath; section 139 prohibits denial on citizenship or immigration grounds.
Employment
Person employed by the Judiciary as specified in 26 V.S.A. section 5305(a)(2)(A).
Exemptions
Exempt from commission examination, continuing education, and fees; special endorsement is separately governed by section 5341(d).
Scope
Only acts within official duties qualify for the exemption; outside official duties the ordinary requirements apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal or late renewal of a judiciary related official duty commission
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Renewal Statement
{"quote":"Steps to renew\nTo renew, you will need to complete the following prior to your expiration date.\n  Submit an online renewal application and pay the non-refundable renewal fee.\n Renewal applications are found within the online services system.\n  Upload proof of your 1 hour of approved continuing education, unless your\n profession is exempt from CE. Exemptions can be found in parts 4-3 and 4-6 of\n the Notaries Public Administrative Rules.\n  The Remote and Electronic Specialty renewal requires 1 additional hour of\n continuing education. 1 additional hour must pertain to the performance of\n notarial acts on electronic records or for remotely located individuals or both.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_renewal_instructions.pdf","value":"OPR’s general renewal instructions and Part 4-7 describe a fixed biennial commission period; complete any online renewal requested for the official-duty commission, identifying the statutory exemption."}
Employment
Continue to qualify as a judiciary-related employee acting within official duties.
Exemptions
No commission examination, continuing education, or fee requirements within official duties; ordinary requirements apply outside official duties.
Statutory Exemption
Section 5305(a)(1)(A) exempts these commissions from chapter 103 except the listed application, oath, endorsement, and authorization provisions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

90-day provisional license (Notary Public)

Discretionary provisional authorization pending disposition of a full notary public application under 3 V.S.A. section 130.

Licensing authority: Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Provisional authorization: background check pending
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Agreement
Voluntarily forgo the procedural rights of conventional licensure pending a final decision; attest to material facts consistent with full licensure, criminal and disciplinary history, and standing in other jurisdictions.
Application
Apply through OPR online services and pay the non-refundable statutory $30 fee unless exempt.
Board Citizenship Statement
{"quote":"Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal\n resident of the United States and be a Vermont resident or have a place of\n employment or practice in Vermont.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_application_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 instructions still state the older citizenship/permanent-residency restriction; the later controlling 3 V.S.A. section 139 prevails."}
Duration
90 days; Director may extend while the statutory reason remains unresolved.
Examination Exemptions
Any statutory exemption applying to the full commission application also applies to the underlying applicant qualifications.
Extraordinary Variance
Part 3-7 allows a written-request waiver or variance in extraordinary circumstances; routine waivers are not granted.
Fitness
Not disqualified under 26 V.S.A. section 5342; provide complete application and required disclosures.
Immigration Status
3 V.S.A. section 139 prohibits denial based on citizenship or immigration status. It allows a federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or Social Security number, subject to a federal-law or interstate-compact Social Security requirement.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(1)).
Oath
Execute and submit a signed, notarized oath of office before issuance.
Provisional Eligibility
Completed full application; eligibility contingent upon completion of a background check.
Vermont Connection
Resident of Vermont or place of employment or practice in Vermont (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(3)).
Withdrawal
OPR may summarily withdraw for inconsistency or inaccuracy; conventional application determination is the exclusive remedy.
Provisional authorization: military
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Agreement
Voluntarily forgo the procedural rights of conventional licensure pending a final decision; attest to material facts consistent with full licensure, criminal and disciplinary history, and standing in other jurisdictions.
Application
Apply through OPR online services and pay the non-refundable statutory $30 fee unless exempt.
Board Citizenship Statement
{"quote":"Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal\n resident of the United States and be a Vermont resident or have a place of\n employment or practice in Vermont.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_application_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 instructions still state the older citizenship/permanent-residency restriction; the later controlling 3 V.S.A. section 139 prevails."}
Duration
90 days; Director may extend while the statutory reason remains unresolved.
Examination Exemptions
Any statutory exemption applying to the full commission application also applies to the underlying applicant qualifications.
Extraordinary Variance
Part 3-7 allows a written-request waiver or variance in extraordinary circumstances; routine waivers are not granted.
Fitness
Not disqualified under 26 V.S.A. section 5342; provide complete application and required disclosures.
Immigration Status
3 V.S.A. section 139 prohibits denial based on citizenship or immigration status. It allows a federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or Social Security number, subject to a federal-law or interstate-compact Social Security requirement.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(1)).
Oath
Execute and submit a signed, notarized oath of office before issuance.
Provisional Eligibility
Completed full application; active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned to Vermont, or spouse of that member.
Vermont Connection
Resident of Vermont or place of employment or practice in Vermont (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(3)).
Withdrawal
OPR may summarily withdraw for inconsistency or inaccuracy; conventional application determination is the exclusive remedy.
Provisional authorization: verification pending
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Agreement
Voluntarily forgo the procedural rights of conventional licensure pending a final decision; attest to material facts consistent with full licensure, criminal and disciplinary history, and standing in other jurisdictions.
Application
Apply through OPR online services and pay the non-refundable statutory $30 fee unless exempt.
Board Citizenship Statement
{"quote":"Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal\n resident of the United States and be a Vermont resident or have a place of\n employment or practice in Vermont.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_application_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 instructions still state the older citizenship/permanent-residency restriction; the later controlling 3 V.S.A. section 139 prevails."}
Duration
90 days; Director may extend while the statutory reason remains unresolved.
Examination Exemptions
Any statutory exemption applying to the full commission application also applies to the underlying applicant qualifications.
Extraordinary Variance
Part 3-7 allows a written-request waiver or variance in extraordinary circumstances; routine waivers are not granted.
Fitness
Not disqualified under 26 V.S.A. section 5342; provide complete application and required disclosures.
Immigration Status
3 V.S.A. section 139 prohibits denial based on citizenship or immigration status. It allows a federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or Social Security number, subject to a federal-law or interstate-compact Social Security requirement.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(1)).
Oath
Execute and submit a signed, notarized oath of office before issuance.
Provisional Eligibility
Completed full application; eligibility contingent upon acceptable verification of licensure from another jurisdiction.
Vermont Connection
Resident of Vermont or place of employment or practice in Vermont (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(3)).
Withdrawal
OPR may summarily withdraw for inconsistency or inaccuracy; conventional application determination is the exclusive remedy.

Notary public commission

Tangible-record notary public commission; electronic records and remotely located individuals require a special endorsement. Law-enforcement-related employees are commissioned by law for official duties and exempt from chapter requirements. Citizenship or immigration status cannot be grounds for denial.

Licensing authority: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Biennial commission renewal for Vermont attorneys
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Applicant Category
Attorney licensed and in good standing in Vermont.
Continuing Education
Exempt from commission continuing education.
Current Commission
Existing notary public commission; submit online renewal with required eligibility disclosures.
Cycle
Fixed biennial period; renew by the commission expiration date.
Discretionary Examination
3 V.S.A. section 129(a)(13) authorizes OPR to administer a Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of renewal or reinstatement; the leaf represents this possible current examination, not a universal direction to resit it.
Fee
Pay the non-refundable renewal fee unless a statutory employment exemption applies.
Initial Examination Exemption
Section 5305(b) expressly exempts the initial section 5341(b) examination; the general discretionary renewal authority in 3 V.S.A. section 129(a)(13) is retained as an applicant condition.
Initial Issuance Near Cycle End
Initial issuance within 90 days before the end of a biennial period runs through the next full biennial period under Part 4-9.
Ordinary Renewal Instructions
{"quote":"Steps to renew\nTo renew, you will need to complete the following prior to your expiration date.\n  Submit an online renewal application and pay the non-refundable renewal fee.\n Renewal applications are found within the online services system.\n  Upload proof of your 1 hour of approved continuing education, unless your\n profession is exempt from CE. Exemptions can be found in parts 4-3 and 4-6 of\n the Notaries Public Administrative Rules.\n  The Remote and Electronic Specialty renewal requires 1 additional hour of\n continuing education. 1 additional hour must pertain to the performance of\n notarial acts on electronic records or for remotely located individuals or both.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_renewal_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 renewal instructions enumerate an online application, fee and continuing education; they do not direct every renewing notary to resit the examination."}
Initial commission for Vermont attorneys
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Category
Attorney licensed and in good standing in Vermont.
Application
Apply through OPR online services and pay the non-refundable statutory $30 fee unless exempt.
Board Citizenship Statement
{"quote":"Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal\n resident of the United States and be a Vermont resident or have a place of\n employment or practice in Vermont.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_application_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 instructions still state the older citizenship/permanent-residency restriction; the later controlling 3 V.S.A. section 139 prevails."}
Continuing Education Exemption
Exempt from commission continuing education under 26 V.S.A. section 5343.
Examination Exemption
Exempt from the examination requirement in 26 V.S.A. section 5341(b).
Extraordinary Variance
Part 3-7 allows a written-request waiver or variance in extraordinary circumstances; routine waivers are not granted.
Fitness
Not disqualified under 26 V.S.A. section 5342; provide complete application and required disclosures.
Immigration Status
3 V.S.A. section 139 prohibits denial based on citizenship or immigration status. It allows a federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or Social Security number, subject to a federal-law or interstate-compact Social Security requirement.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(1)).
Oath
Execute and submit a signed, notarized oath of office before issuance.
Vermont Connection
Resident of Vermont or place of employment or practice in Vermont (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(3)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial commission renewal
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Applicant Category
Commission holders without statutory fee or continuing-education exemptions.
Continuing Education
At least one hour of approved continuing education during the preceding full biennial period and proof of completion, unless exempt.
Current Commission
Existing notary public commission; submit online renewal with required eligibility disclosures.
Cycle
Fixed biennial period; renew by the commission expiration date.
Discretionary Examination
3 V.S.A. section 129(a)(13) authorizes OPR to administer a Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of renewal or reinstatement; the leaf represents this possible current examination, not a universal direction to resit it.
Fee
Pay the non-refundable renewal fee unless a statutory employment exemption applies.
Initial Issuance Near Cycle End
Initial issuance within 90 days before the end of a biennial period runs through the next full biennial period under Part 4-9.
Ordinary Renewal Instructions
{"quote":"Steps to renew\nTo renew, you will need to complete the following prior to your expiration date.\n  Submit an online renewal application and pay the non-refundable renewal fee.\n Renewal applications are found within the online services system.\n  Upload proof of your 1 hour of approved continuing education, unless your\n profession is exempt from CE. Exemptions can be found in parts 4-3 and 4-6 of\n the Notaries Public Administrative Rules.\n  The Remote and Electronic Specialty renewal requires 1 additional hour of\n continuing education. 1 additional hour must pertain to the performance of\n notarial acts on electronic records or for remotely located individuals or both.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_renewal_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 renewal instructions enumerate an online application, fee and continuing education; they do not direct every renewing notary to resit the examination."}
Reinstatement following revocation, suspension, limitation, or conditioning
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Decision
Director may reinstate or deny reinstatement; satisfy applicable disciplinary orders and conditions.
Examination
OPR may administer the current Vermont statutes and rules examination under 3 V.S.A. section 129(a)(13); a specific disciplinary order governs the individual applicant.
Previous Status
Commission revoked, suspended, limited, or conditioned.
Commission by endorsement from another United States jurisdiction
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Application
Apply through OPR online services and pay the non-refundable statutory $30 fee unless exempt.
Board Citizenship Statement
{"quote":"Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal\n resident of the United States and be a Vermont resident or have a place of\n employment or practice in Vermont.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_application_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 instructions still state the older citizenship/permanent-residency restriction; the later controlling 3 V.S.A. section 139 prevails."}
Exam Exemptions
The Vermont-attorney exemption remains applicable when its statutory conditions are met; section 136a itself does not expressly waive the Vermont-specific examination.
Extraordinary Variance
Part 3-7 allows a written-request waiver or variance in extraordinary circumstances; routine waivers are not granted.
Fitness
Not disqualified under 26 V.S.A. section 5342; provide complete application and required disclosures.
Immigration Status
3 V.S.A. section 139 prohibits denial based on citizenship or immigration status. It allows a federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or Social Security number, subject to a federal-law or interstate-compact Social Security requirement.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(1)).
Oath
Execute and submit a signed, notarized oath of office before issuance.
Practice
Uniform endorsement process may require no more than three years of practice in good standing, regardless of substantial similarity; Director may waive the practice requirement consistently with public protection.
Prior License
License and practice in good standing in another United States jurisdiction; another jurisdiction’s examination is an applicant condition, not a Vermont examination leaf.
Vermont Connection
Resident of Vermont or place of employment or practice in Vermont (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(3)).
Biennial commission renewal for fee exempt officials
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Applicant Category
Town clerks, their assistants, and justices of the peace.
Continuing Education
At least one hour of approved continuing education during the preceding full biennial period and proof of completion, unless exempt.
Current Commission
Existing notary public commission; submit online renewal with required eligibility disclosures.
Cycle
Fixed biennial period; renew by the commission expiration date.
Discretionary Examination
3 V.S.A. section 129(a)(13) authorizes OPR to administer a Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of renewal or reinstatement; the leaf represents this possible current examination, not a universal direction to resit it.
Fee
Statutory commission fee exemption applies; continuing education remains required.
Initial Issuance Near Cycle End
Initial issuance within 90 days before the end of a biennial period runs through the next full biennial period under Part 4-9.
Ordinary Renewal Instructions
{"quote":"Steps to renew\nTo renew, you will need to complete the following prior to your expiration date.\n  Submit an online renewal application and pay the non-refundable renewal fee.\n Renewal applications are found within the online services system.\n  Upload proof of your 1 hour of approved continuing education, unless your\n profession is exempt from CE. Exemptions can be found in parts 4-3 and 4-6 of\n the Notaries Public Administrative Rules.\n  The Remote and Electronic Specialty renewal requires 1 additional hour of\n continuing education. 1 additional hour must pertain to the performance of\n notarial acts on electronic records or for remotely located individuals or both.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_renewal_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 renewal instructions enumerate an online application, fee and continuing education; they do not direct every renewing notary to resit the examination."}
Initial commission for town clerks, their assistants, and justices of the peace
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Applicant Category
Town clerks, their assistants, and justices of the peace; examination requirements remain applicable.
Application
Online application and oath; statutory commission fee waived.
Board Citizenship Statement
{"quote":"Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal\n resident of the United States and be a Vermont resident or have a place of\n employment or practice in Vermont.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_application_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 instructions still state the older citizenship/permanent-residency restriction; the later controlling 3 V.S.A. section 139 prevails."}
Extraordinary Variance
Part 3-7 allows a written-request waiver or variance in extraordinary circumstances; routine waivers are not granted.
Fitness
Not disqualified under 26 V.S.A. section 5342; provide complete application and required disclosures.
Immigration Status
3 V.S.A. section 139 prohibits denial based on citizenship or immigration status. It allows a federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or Social Security number, subject to a federal-law or interstate-compact Social Security requirement.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(1)).
Oath
Execute and submit a signed, notarized oath of office before issuance.
Territorial Authorization
Town clerks and assistants act throughout the town clerk’s county under 26 V.S.A. section 5305(c)(1).
Vermont Connection
Resident of Vermont or place of employment or practice in Vermont (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(3)).
Initial commission with foreign professional credential verification
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Application
Apply through OPR online services and pay the non-refundable statutory $30 fee unless exempt.
Board Citizenship Statement
{"quote":"Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal\n resident of the United States and be a Vermont resident or have a place of\n employment or practice in Vermont.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_application_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 instructions still state the older citizenship/permanent-residency restriction; the later controlling 3 V.S.A. section 139 prevails."}
Extraordinary Variance
Part 3-7 allows a written-request waiver or variance in extraordinary circumstances; routine waivers are not granted.
Fitness
Not disqualified under 26 V.S.A. section 5342; provide complete application and required disclosures.
Foreign Credentials
For professions without their own foreign-credential law, Director assesses equivalence under the uniform process in 3 V.S.A. section 137; the equivalence determination is recorded and binding on the regulatory program.
Foreign Examinations
Any foreign-country or foreign-jurisdiction examination is a qualification condition, not a leaf of this Vermont requirement.
Immigration Status
3 V.S.A. section 139 prohibits denial based on citizenship or immigration status. It allows a federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or Social Security number, subject to a federal-law or interstate-compact Social Security requirement.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(1)).
Oath
Execute and submit a signed, notarized oath of office before issuance.
Verification Costs
Applicant pays for third-party credential verification services if used.
Vermont Connection
Resident of Vermont or place of employment or practice in Vermont (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(3)).
Initial commission by registration
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Applicant Category
Applicants not covered by an examination exemption.
Application
Apply through OPR online services and pay the non-refundable statutory $30 fee unless exempt.
Board Citizenship Statement
{"quote":"Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal\n resident of the United States and be a Vermont resident or have a place of\n employment or practice in Vermont.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_application_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 instructions still state the older citizenship/permanent-residency restriction; the later controlling 3 V.S.A. section 139 prevails."}
Extraordinary Variance
Part 3-7 allows a written-request waiver or variance in extraordinary circumstances; routine waivers are not granted.
Fitness
Not disqualified under 26 V.S.A. section 5342; provide complete application and required disclosures.
Immigration Status
3 V.S.A. section 139 prohibits denial based on citizenship or immigration status. It allows a federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or Social Security number, subject to a federal-law or interstate-compact Social Security requirement.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(1)).
Oath
Execute and submit a signed, notarized oath of office before issuance.
Vermont Connection
Resident of Vermont or place of employment or practice in Vermont (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(3)).
Reinstatement after expiration of no more than one biennial period
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Continuing Education
At least one hour of approved continuing education during the preceding full biennial period and proof of completion, unless exempt.
Current Commission
Existing notary public commission; submit online renewal with required eligibility disclosures.
Cycle
Fixed biennial period; renew by the commission expiration date.
Discretionary Examination
3 V.S.A. section 129(a)(13) authorizes OPR to administer a Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of renewal or reinstatement; the leaf represents this possible current examination, not a universal direction to resit it.
Exemptions
Apply the statutory attorney, judiciary-related, or fee-only exemptions when their conditions are satisfied.
Fee
Pay the non-refundable renewal fee unless a statutory employment exemption applies.
Initial Issuance Near Cycle End
Initial issuance within 90 days before the end of a biennial period runs through the next full biennial period under Part 4-9.
Lapse
Commission expired for no more than one biennial period.
Ordinary Renewal Instructions
{"quote":"Steps to renew\nTo renew, you will need to complete the following prior to your expiration date.\n  Submit an online renewal application and pay the non-refundable renewal fee.\n Renewal applications are found within the online services system.\n  Upload proof of your 1 hour of approved continuing education, unless your\n profession is exempt from CE. Exemptions can be found in parts 4-3 and 4-6 of\n the Notaries Public Administrative Rules.\n  The Remote and Electronic Specialty renewal requires 1 additional hour of\n continuing education. 1 additional hour must pertain to the performance of\n notarial acts on electronic records or for remotely located individuals or both.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_renewal_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 renewal instructions enumerate an online application, fee and continuing education; they do not direct every renewing notary to resit the examination."}
Penalties
Meet renewal requirements and pay renewal fee plus the statutory reinstatement penalty; petition for exceptional-circumstance or extreme-hardship relief is available. No penalty is assessed for active-duty United States military service periods.
Expedited issuance for transferred military spouses
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Application
Apply through OPR online services and pay the non-refundable statutory $30 fee unless exempt.
Board Citizenship Statement
{"quote":"Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal\n resident of the United States and be a Vermont resident or have a place of\n employment or practice in Vermont.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_application_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 instructions still state the older citizenship/permanent-residency restriction; the later controlling 3 V.S.A. section 139 prevails."}
Exam Exemptions
Any independently applicable statutory examination exemption remains available.
Expedition
Uniform expedited issuance under 3 V.S.A. section 123(g)(1)(B); it does not state a blanket exemption from the Vermont examination.
Extraordinary Variance
Part 3-7 allows a written-request waiver or variance in extraordinary circumstances; routine waivers are not granted.
Fitness
Not disqualified under 26 V.S.A. section 5342; provide complete application and required disclosures.
Immigration Status
3 V.S.A. section 139 prohibits denial based on citizenship or immigration status. It allows a federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or Social Security number, subject to a federal-law or interstate-compact Social Security requirement.
Military Transfer
Spouse is a member of the United States Armed Forces transferred to Vermont; applicant left employment to accompany that spouse.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(1)).
Oath
Execute and submit a signed, notarized oath of office before issuance.
Other License
Licensed in good standing in another regulatory jurisdiction.
Vermont Connection
Resident of Vermont or place of employment or practice in Vermont (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(3)).
Restoration after five or more years away from practice
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Absence
Five or more years of absence from practice.
Application
Apply through OPR online services and pay the non-refundable statutory $30 fee unless exempt.
Board Citizenship Statement
{"quote":"Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal\n resident of the United States and be a Vermont resident or have a place of\n employment or practice in Vermont.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_application_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 instructions still state the older citizenship/permanent-residency restriction; the later controlling 3 V.S.A. section 139 prevails."}
Director Decision
Director may find professional competence retained and allow unencumbered licensure, or require reexamination or reapplication as a new applicant; the discretion and any examination exemption are applicant conditions.
Extraordinary Variance
Part 3-7 allows a written-request waiver or variance in extraordinary circumstances; routine waivers are not granted.
Fitness
Not disqualified under 26 V.S.A. section 5342; provide complete application and required disclosures.
Immigration Status
3 V.S.A. section 139 prohibits denial based on citizenship or immigration status. It allows a federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or Social Security number, subject to a federal-law or interstate-compact Social Security requirement.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(1)).
Oath
Execute and submit a signed, notarized oath of office before issuance.
Vermont Connection
Resident of Vermont or place of employment or practice in Vermont (26 V.S.A. section 5341(b)(3)).
Renewal of a lapsed commission after fewer than five years away from practice
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Absence
Fewer than five years of absence from practice.
Competence
Readiness inferred from continuing education that would have been required for continuous licensure, or a less burdensome profession-specific or Director-approved showing.
Continuing Education
At least one hour of approved continuing education during the preceding full biennial period and proof of completion, unless exempt.
Current Commission
Existing notary public commission; submit online renewal with required eligibility disclosures.
Cycle
Fixed biennial period; renew by the commission expiration date.
Discretionary Examination
3 V.S.A. section 129(a)(13) authorizes OPR to administer a Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of renewal or reinstatement; the leaf represents this possible current examination, not a universal direction to resit it.
Exemptions
Applicable commission examination, fee, and continuing-education exemptions depend on the applicant’s status.
Fee
Pay the non-refundable renewal fee unless a statutory employment exemption applies.
Initial Issuance Near Cycle End
Initial issuance within 90 days before the end of a biennial period runs through the next full biennial period under Part 4-9.
Ordinary Renewal Instructions
{"quote":"Steps to renew\nTo renew, you will need to complete the following prior to your expiration date.\n  Submit an online renewal application and pay the non-refundable renewal fee.\n Renewal applications are found within the online services system.\n  Upload proof of your 1 hour of approved continuing education, unless your\n profession is exempt from CE. Exemptions can be found in parts 4-3 and 4-6 of\n the Notaries Public Administrative Rules.\n  The Remote and Electronic Specialty renewal requires 1 additional hour of\n continuing education. 1 additional hour must pertain to the performance of\n notarial acts on electronic records or for remotely located individuals or both.","sourceUrl":"https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/notary_public/notary_public_renewal_instructions.pdf","value":"The February 2026 renewal instructions enumerate an online application, fee and continuing education; they do not direct every renewing notary to resit the examination."}

Special commission endorsement

Additional authorization held with a current notary public commission for electronic records and remotely located individuals; one endorsement covers both categories.

Licensing authority: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Special endorsement application by a currently commissioned notary
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Commission
Hold a current notary public commission in good standing; commission is a credential prerequisite, not a second examination slot.
Electronic Technology
Attest to selecting and using compliant tamper-evident technology for electronic records.
Exemptions
Commission exemptions for attorneys and judiciary-related employees do not waive special-endorsement requirements; law-enforcement-related official-duty acts are exempt under Part 4-3(d).
Fees
Pay required endorsement application fee; section 5324(b) sets $30.
Remote Communication
Attest to selecting and using compliant communication technology for remotely located individuals.
Remote Identity Proofing
Attest to selecting and using compliant identity-proofing technology for remotely located individuals.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal or reinstatement of a special endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit late online renewal and meet the full endorsement eligibility and continuing-education requirements.
Commission
Hold or reinstate a current notary public commission in good standing.
Education
Additional hour on electronic or remote notarial acts for endorsement renewal; underlying commission continuing-education duties remain separate.
Penalties
Late renewal is subject to reinstatement penalty fees under Part 4-10; waiver may be requested online.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial special endorsement renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew online with the commission; pay required endorsement fee.
Commission
Maintain a current notary public commission in good standing.
Continuing Education
One additional hour pertaining to electronic or remote notarial acts, in addition to any continuing education required for the underlying commission.
Technology
Continue meeting the Part 6-2 technology attestations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary renewal license (Notary Public)

Discretionary temporary renewal pending completion of a continuing-education corrective action plan within 90 days.

Licensing authority: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Temporary renewal pending completion of continuing education
Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1
Corrective Plan
OPR may require a specific corrective action plan completed within 90 days and grant a temporary renewal while it is completed.
Discretionary Examination
General renewal examination authority under section 129(a)(13) remains discretionary, rather than an automatic requirement to resit.
Existing Commission
Renewal applicant whose required continuing education is deficient.

Notaries Public Jurisprudence Examination #1

Provider
Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
Format
Open book; completed answer sheet uploaded to the online application
Passing score
No more than six incorrect answers; more than six requires a retake
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • 26 V.S.A. Chapter 103: Notaries Public
  • Administrative Rules for Notaries Public
  • 3 V.S.A. Chapter 5: Secretary of State
  • 3 V.S.A. Chapter 25: Administrative Procedure
  • Public Records Act
Examination sources