State Information for Georgia
Georgia Notary Requirements and Information
Georgia Notary Commission Qualifications
Notary applicants must:
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident of the United States.
• Be a legal resident of the Georgia county in which the person seeks a notary public commission, or a resident of a state bordering Georgia if the person carries on a business or profession in Georgia or is regularly employed in Georgia.
• Be able to read and write English.
• Have an operating telephone number and provide it at the time of application.
Effective January 1, 2025, an applicant seeking a new (“initial”) or renewal Georgia notary commission must:
• Complete a training course approved by the GSCCCA for this purpose; and
• Provide the course certificate of completion along with the commission application that is submitted to the Superior Court Clerk of the applicant’s county of residence.
How to Apply to Become a Georgia Notary
See detailed information including applicable fees, on the website of the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority: https://www.gsccca.org/notary-and-apostilles/notaries/general-notary-information
Superior Court Clerk in the county of the applicant’s residence or place or employment (if applicable).
Term of Office
4 Year Term
Notary Education and/or Exam Requirement
Education course required (Effective January 1, 2025).
Notary Bond Requirement
Not required.
Notary Recordbook (Journal) Requirement
Although Georgia does not require all notaries to use a recordbook, we strongly urge all notaries* to use a notary recordbook to minimize liability and to create a credible record of every notarial service performed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
*Georgia notary law does require all notaries to journal all notarizations performed for “self filers.”
Self-Filer: Any person who is a party to an instrument listed under specified Georgia law (OCGA Sec. 44-2-2(b)), and who is not (1) An insurance agent or a representative of an insurance agency licensed to sell title insurance in this state;(2) An attorney licensed to practice law in this state or a representative of an attorney licensed to practice law in this state; (3) Licensed under Chapter 40 of Title 43; (4) An agent of a bank or credit union with federal deposit insurance or an affiliate thereof; (5) An agent of a licensed or exempt mortgage lender pursuant to Article 13 of Chapter 1 of Title 7; (6) An agent of a servicer as such term is defined in 12 C.F.R. Section 1024.2; (7) A public official or employee of a federal, state, or local government or a department, agency, board, commission, or authority thereof performing their official duties; or (8) A professional land surveyor licensed under Chapter 15 of Title 43 and in good standing with the Georgia Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Board.
Notary Seal Requirement
Ink stamp or embossing seal required.
Authorized Duties
• Witness or attest the signing of deeds and other written instruments.
• Take acknowledgments.
• Administer oaths and affirmations that are not required to be administered by a particular officer of the state.
• Give oaths or affirmations to people who are signing an affidavit.
• Give oaths or affirmations to people who are verifying the truth of the contents of a document (i.e., take verifications).
• Certify copies of certain documents.
Change of Name, Address or Eligibility Status
See detailed information on the website of the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority: https://www.gsccca.org/file/notary-forms
Contact Information for the State of Georgia
State of Georgia Notary Website
https://www.gsccca.org/notary-and-apostilles/notaries
State of Georgia Notary Law
https://www.gsccca.org/notary-and-apostilles/notaries/georgia-notary-law
State of Georgia Online Notary Search
https://search.gsccca.org/notary/search.asp
Phone Number
(404) 327-6023 or toll-free (800) 304-5174
Mailing Address
Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority
1875 Century Blvd, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30345
Apostille Certification Information
Phone Number
(404) 327-6023
Further Information
https://www.gsccca.org/notary-and-apostilles
|
ORDER YOUR GEORGIA NOTARY SUPPLIES:
To order your Georgia Notary Stamp, Embossed Seal, Georgia Notary Handbook, Recordbook and all other supplies please CLICK HERE to be taken to the ASN Supply Store. |
Information on this page is provided with the understanding that the user is solely responsible for his/her knowledge of notarial law, procedures and practices. The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. All information is subject to change without notice and therefore is provided “as is,” free of warranty of any kind. Last updated December 2025.
This is an ASN Members'-Only Feature! Please Log In or Join Now!
Your data is safe with us! (read our privacy and security policy)