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Commission Renewal

How long does the renewal process take?

In some states, the renewal process may take up to 4-6 weeks because of the various bureaucratic stages and procedures that the state’s commissioning authority must follow. Please contact your state’s commissioning authority for further information.

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Where do I obtain an application to renew my notary commission?

Generally, notaries public may obtain renewal notary applications by contacting their state’s commissioning authorities or by visiting their websites.

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Is the renewal process the same as the initial application process? Do I have to get a new bond?

Yes. In most states, the process for renewing a notary commission is the same as for a first time appointment and generally involves statutory compliance requirements such as obtaining a notary surety bond and the execution of an oath of office. Please contact your state’s commissioning authority or read your state’s notary statute for further information.

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Can I renew my commission with one of those various notary organizations that send me renewal notary applications?

Yes. There are several notary organizations that will obtain from the state’s commissioning authority a list of notaries whose commission will expire in the near future. These organizations generally offer to process applications for reappointment for a fee.

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I forgot to renew my commission in a timely manner. How do I expedite my reappointment so that I can continue to be a notary?

In most states, there are certain procedures that the state’s commissioning authority must adhere to regarding new and renewal notary applications. In some states, the commissioning process involves other government offices. Because there are numerous procedures required for the granting and/or renewal of a notary’s commission, there is not much hope that the renewal of a notary’s commission can be expedited in any state.

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My commission expires today. If I hand-deliver my renewal application today, can I continue to notarize without any interruptions of my notarial duties?

No. In most states, there are certain procedures that the state’s commissioning authority must follow regarding the appointment and reappointment for the office of notary public. In some states, another government office may also be involved in the appointment and reappointment process. The appointment and reappointment of the office of notary public requires the state’s commissioning authority to undergo numerous bureaucratic stages. Therefore, a renewal application that was not submitted in a timely manner will, with all probability, not be processed prior to the expiration date of your current commission.

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I have been a notary public for 15 years. Do I have to take the notary course each time I apply for reappointment?

The states that require their notaries public to complete a notary course of study in order to hold the office may require a commissioned notary public to complete a refresher course before reappointment. Your state’s commissioning authority can assist you with information regarding your reappointment as a notary public.

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When it is time to renew my notary commission, will the state agency that commissioned me send me a reminder to renew my commission?

It depends on what your state’s notary statute dictates. In some states, the state’s commissioning authority must send a renewal notice to each notary public at the last known address on file with that office approximately 90 days prior to the notary’s commission expiration date. However, the failure to provide promptly a change of address may prevent some notaries from submitting their applications for reappointment in a timely manner. A change of address form and the renewal notary application can be obtained by contacting your state’s commissioning authority.

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How soon can I renew my notary commission?

In some states, the notary statute states that the application for reappointment must be submitted to the state’s commissioning authority 60 days prior to the notary’s commission expiration date. Contact your state’s commissioning for further information.

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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.