When the 30 days start
After the Secretary of State approves your application, it emails you an approval notice. Your 30 days start when you receive that notice. Within those 30 days you must appear in person before the county clerk of the county named on your application.
Which county clerk
You go to the clerk in the county you named on your application. That has to be a county where you live, or where you have a place of employment or practice.
What to bring
- Your $1,000 bond. Bluegrass Notary Bond emails your bond documents right after purchase.
- Government-issued ID.
- Payment for the clerk fees, typically $19. Some counties add a surcharge for card payments.
What happens at the clerk's office
- You take the oath of office.
- You file your bond with the clerk.
- You pay the clerk fees.
- You receive your commission certificate.
You can only notarize while a valid bond is on file with the county clerk, so this visit is what puts you to work.
The clerk fee
| County clerk fee | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Record the bond | $10 |
| Take and prepare the bond | $4 |
| Administer the oath | $5 |
| Total typical clerk fee | $19 |
This is separate from the $10 Secretary of State fee you paid with your application and the $20 you pay us for the bond. See the full price breakdown on the home page.
If you miss the 30 days
If you miss the 30 days, you may have to start over with a new application and fee. The easiest way to avoid that is to have your bond ready and plan the clerk visit the day your approval notice arrives.
Kentucky notary bond. $20.
4-year, $1,000 bond with $5,000 of E&O included. Your bond documents are emailed right after purchase, ready for your county clerk visit. About 10 minutes.
Get My BondSee the full Kentucky notary bond price breakdown and step-by-step process.
Common questions
When does the 30-day clock start for the Kentucky county clerk visit?
When you receive the approval notice that the Secretary of State emails you after approving your application.
Can someone else go to the county clerk for me?
No. You must appear in person before the county clerk to take the oath and file your bond.
How much is the Kentucky county clerk fee for notaries?
Typically $19: $10 to record the bond, $4 to take and prepare the bond, and $5 for the oath. Some counties add a surcharge for card payments.
What do I bring to the county clerk?
Your $1,000 notary bond, a government-issued ID, and payment for the clerk fees, typically $19.
What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline?
You may have to start over with a new application and the $10 Secretary of State fee.
Sources: Kentucky Secretary of State, Notary Public · Notary Public, State at Large application (PDF) · KRS 423.390 · Kenton County Clerk, notary public · Rowan County Clerk, notary public