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Termination/Resignat ion of Employment

Because my former employer paid for my notary commission, he will not allow me to take my notary seal and journal. Can he do that?

The notary laws in some states mandate that employers make available to their notaries their notary seal and notary journals upon resignation or termination. If your state law does not address this issue, this Association encourages you to take your notary materials with you upon resignation or termination. An employer cannot cancel a notary surety bond.

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My employer paid for my notary commission. If I resign my job or move to another company, am I no longer a notary public?

In most states, a notary public who is a resident of the commissioning state is not commissioned contingent on where the notary is employed. A notary is commissioned until the commission term either expires or is suspended by the state’s commissioning authority.

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Can I use my notary commission in my new employment?

In most states, notaries public are commissioned until the commission term either expires or is suspended by the state’s commissioning authority. Check your state’s notary laws, because there are a few states in which the commission is contingent on where the notary is employed.

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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.