Notary Public Permit Requirements in Hartford, CT

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Connecticut Notary Public Commission (Secretary of the State)

   The Office of the Secretary of the State, Business Services Division, licenses all notaries public in Connecticut. First-time applicants apply online through eLicense.ct.gov after reviewing the Notary Public Manual; the application includes an examination component. Commissions run five years. Once appointed, the notary's commission and oath are recorded with the town clerk. Active Connecticut state employees, including state police, may have the application fee waived for notarial acts performed in their official duties, subject to audit. Public Act 23-28, effective October 1, 2023, added remote notarial acts and is reflected in the current Notary Public Manual.

   Official government source

   $120 for a new notary commission and $60 to renew, paid to the Secretary of the State; the town clerk charges a further $20 to record the commission and oath (CGS Sec. 7-34a)·Notary commissions are valid for five years; applications are submitted online through eLicense.ct.gov

   $120 for a new notary commission and $60 to renew, paid to the Secretary of the State; the town clerk charges a further $20 to record the commission and oath (CGS Sec. 7-34a)

   Notary commissions are valid for five years; applications are submitted online through eLicense.ct.gov

2. Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance (optional - not required in Connecticut)

   Connecticut does not require a notary public to carry errors and omissions insurance or a surety bond. The only mandatory steps are appointment by the Secretary of the State (a $120 fee for a new five-year commission, $60 to renew) and recording the oath and certificate of appointment with the town clerk of the town where the notary resides within 30 days, which the clerk charges $20 for under CGS Sec. 7-34a. E&O coverage is an optional private product sold by insurers and notary associations; premiums are set by the insurer according to the coverage limit and term, so no state fee schedule applies to it.

   Official government source

   No government fee - E&O insurance is optional private coverage priced by the insurer, not by the state·Not applicable - there is no state filing or waiting period; coverage begins when the insurer issues the policy

   No government fee - E&O insurance is optional private coverage priced by the insurer, not by the state

   Not applicable - there is no state filing or waiting period; coverage begins when the insurer issues the policy

1. No general business license required in Hartford for notary services

   Hartford does not issue a general business license for a standalone notary or signing agent business. The Licenses & Inspections Division, part of Development Services rather than the City Clerk's office, licenses only specific regulated categories such as food establishments, vendors, laundromats, amusement devices and parking lots. Notaries are commissioned by the Connecticut Secretary of the State; file a trade name certificate with the Town & City Clerk if you work under a business name.

   Official government source

   No fee - Hartford issues no general business license·Not applicable

   No fee - Hartford issues no general business license

   Not applicable

Official Sources

• Connecticut — Notary Public Requirements
• Connecticut Secretary of State

Related Guides