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Address Change

If I change the home or business address listed on my notary application, do I have to report these changes to anyone?

Yes. The notary laws in most states mandate that their notaries public notify the state’s commissioning authority of a change of address.

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If I change my resident county to another county, will such a change affect my notary commission?

Notaries public in most states have statewide jurisdiction. However, some states require their notaries to file their original oath and bond in the county in which they will be performing notarial acts. If notaries change county, they may be required to take their original oath and bond in the new county. Please contact your state’s commissioning authority for the required procedures regarding a notary’s change of home or business address.

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How soon do I have to report a change of home or business addresses?

The notary statutes in most states mandate that their notaries public notify the state’s commissioning authority of a change of address not later than the 10th day after the date on which the change is made. Some states allow their notaries a longer time frame to notify their state’s commissioning authority of an address change. For further information regarding this subject matter, please contact your state’s commissioning authority.

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Is there a fee for an address change?

In some states, notaries public are required to provide their state’s commissioning authority with written notice of the change of address together with a filing fee. Contact your state’s commissioning authority to obtain specific information regarding the requirements for a notary’s change of address.

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Do I have to complete a new application if I have a new address?

If a notary’s new address is in a different county, some states dictate that notaries public resign their commission and reapply for a new commission in the new county. However, the notary statutes in most states do not require the filing of a new notary application when notaries change address because most notaries have statewide jurisdiction. Contact your state’s commissioning authority for instructions.

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Legal disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. We do not claim to be attorneys and we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss, or consequential loss, out of or in connection with the use of the information contained on any of the American Association of Notaries website pages. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their state’s notary authorities or attorneys if they have legal questions.