Unlike other licenses, the notary public license does not have a specific expiration date. You can renew your request anytime, but there is no set period within which the license will remain active. In addition, there are no expiry requirements for commissions.

Notary public Commissions

A notary public commission is valid only within the state. To change the name on your commission, send a letter to the Secretary of State, your certificate of commission, and a rider or endorsement from a surety. Then, pay the $20 filing fee. In addition, you are required to maintain a notary public record book. The record book must contain a short description of each instrument you notarize. While not required to sign it, the notary public is expected to maintain a copy of the record book.

If you wish to renew your commission, do so at least a month before its expiration date. There is no automatic Florida notary renewal available for the notary public. Those who want to renew their commission must apply for re-appointment and obtain a $10,000 notary bond. These re-applications must follow the same procedures as those for a new notary.

Fees

To renew your notary license, you must submit a renewal application and pay the required fees. The fees are paid through the Department of State and are nonrefundable. In addition, a $20 service fee will be assessed in case of a returned check. You will be exempt from paying the fees if you are a New York State Attorney or a court clerk. Your renewal application should be submitted no less than 90 days before expiration.

If you are a notary in New Hampshire, your renewal application will be sent to you about 12 weeks before your license expires. However, because the notary renewal application is mailed directly to you, if you move or change your name, you may not receive it in time. In addition, your renewal application will not appear on the Department of State’s website until it has been processed.

Online Notarizations

You must submit the appropriate application and pay the fees online to renew your notary license. The application can be paid by Visa credit card or debit card, checking account, or ACH. Your application will be processed within two to three business days.

New York Notaries may apply for remote online notarization beginning on January 31, 2023. To qualify for this new process, you must have a current commission as a traditional Notary Public, contract with an electronic technology provider, complete an application form and pay the required fee to the Secretary of State.

Applicants who wish to renew their license as a notary public may do so online using the Notary Public Online Service. This service allows notaries to check their application status, renew their licenses online, and search for active notaries. There is more information about the process on the ONCA website.

Continuing Education

To become a notary public, you must complete a three-hour course in notary public education. This course must be completed within six months before applying for a commission. There are two kinds of courses – basic instruction for new and continuing education for notaries renewing their commission. The Department of State maintains a list of approved courses based on RULON standards.

In addition to completing an education course, state notaries must pass an exam to keep their commission active. Notaries may take a pre-assessment exam or a renewal course, depending on state laws. In some cases, notaries must take a new exam if they have been out of the profession for an extended period.