A notary public is an official of the Commonwealth of Kentucky appointed to take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, take verifications, certify that a copy of a document is a true copy, certify depositions, protest negotiable instruments, witness or attest signatures, and perform other notarial acts authorized by Kentucky Revised Statute. A notary public may also certify that a tangible copy of an electronic record is an accurate copy of the electronic record if the notary has taken reasonable steps to confirm the accuracy of that certification.
Notary Public State at Large
A notary public, state at large, is a resident or non-resident of Kentucky who is appointed by the Secretary of State under KRS 423.390 to perform notarial acts within the state of Kentucky.
An applicant for a commission as a notary public, state at large, must:
- Be at least eighteen years of age;
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States;
- Be a resident of, or have a place of employment or practice in the Kentucky county where the application is made;
- Be able to read and write English; and not disqualified under KRS 423.395.
An applicant may be denied appointment as a notary public, state at large, for:
- Failure to comply with Kentucky notary laws;
- Fraud, deceit or omission on the notary application;
- Conviction of any felony or a crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit;
- Failure to discharge the duties of a notary imposed by statute or administrative regulation;
- Use of false or misleading advertising;
- Representing that the notary has a right, duty or privilege that the notary does not have;
- Denial, refusal to renew, revocation, or suspension of a notary commission in another state; or
- Failure to maintain notary surety.
To apply for a Kentucky Notary Public State at Large appointment or reappointment, download the application from http://web.sos.ky.gov/notaries/NotaryPublic and submit it online, or mail it with a $10.00 fee made payable to Kentucky State Treasurer to:
Notary Commissions
P.O. Box 821
Frankfort, KY 40602-0821
Once the application has been approved by the Office of the Secretary of State, a written notice will be sent to you stating that you must complete your appointment within 30 days of receipt of that notice by taking the oath of office and providing $1,000 surety at the County Clerk's Office.