Notary Public Permit Requirements in Fort Smith, AR

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Arkansas Sales and Use Tax Permit — Department of Finance and Administration

   Any business selling taxable goods or taxable services in Arkansas must obtain a gross receipts (sales) tax permit before transacting business, and a separate permit is required for each business location under Ark. Code 26-52-201. The permit is issued by the Department of Finance and Administration's Sales and Use Tax Section. The state sales and use tax rate is 6.500%, with city and county rates added on top — in Little Rock, for example, the combined rate is 8.625% (6.5% state, 1% Pulaski County, 1.125% city).

   Official government source

   $50.00 sales tax permit fee, paid electronically when the registration is submitted.·Register online through the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point at atap.arkansas.gov. Registration questions go to the Sales and Use Tax Section at 501-682-7104, Ledbetter Building, 1816 W 7th St, Room 1330, Little Rock.

   $50.00 sales tax permit fee, paid electronically when the registration is submitted.

   Register online through the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point at atap.arkansas.gov. Registration questions go to the Sales and Use Tax Section at 501-682-7104, Ledbetter Building, 1816 W 7th St, Room 1330, Little Rock.

1. Arkansas Secretary of State — Notary Public Commission

   To become a notary in Arkansas you first obtain a $7,500 surety bond, then create an account with the Secretary of State's Business and Commercial Services division, pass a multiple-choice notary exam scoring at least 80%, and submit the online application with copies of your bond and exam certificate. Arkansas does require the exam — it is not optional. Once approved you receive two Oath of Commission certificates, which you take with your original bond to the recorder of deeds (circuit clerk) in your county for filing.

   Official government source

   $20 application fee to the Secretary of State paid online, plus a $5 convenience fee; the premium for a $7,500 surety bond paid to a surety company; and a separate county fee to record your oath and bond with the circuit clerk·Get the bond and pass the exam before applying; a commission runs for a ten-year term, and renewals can be filed within 60 days of expiration

   $20 application fee to the Secretary of State paid online, plus a $5 convenience fee; the premium for a $7,500 surety bond paid to a surety company; and a separate county fee to record your oath and bond with the circuit clerk

   Get the bond and pass the exam before applying; a commission runs for a ten-year term, and renewals can be filed within 60 days of expiration

2. City of Fort Smith Business License

   All businesses inside Fort Smith city limits must hold a business license unless they qualify for an exemption. Licenses are governed by Chapter 13, Article 3 (Occupational Registration) of the city code and are applied for and renewed online through the city's CityView portal. Fees are flat by license type — they are not scaled to gross revenue. Renewal notices are mailed the month before expiration.

   Official government source

   Free for the first year for new business owners in Fort Smith; $100 per year to renew a typical business license, or $150 per year for a food truck·Processing takes anywhere from one day to two weeks depending on the application; questions go to [email protected] or 479-784-2299

   Free for the first year for new business owners in Fort Smith; $100 per year to renew a typical business license, or $150 per year for a food truck

   Processing takes anywhere from one day to two weeks depending on the application; questions go to [email protected] or 479-784-2299

Official Sources

• Arkansas Secretary of State

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