A notary stamp itself does not expire, but the notary who holds it does

The physical stamp—the metal or rubber device that presses an impression onto a document—has no expiration date. You can use the same stamp for decades if you keep it in good condition. What expires is the notary commission, which is the government permission that allows a person to act as a notary. Once that commission ends, the stamp becomes useless because the notary no longer has the legal authority to notarize anything.

A notary commission typically lasts four years in most states, though some states grant commissions for two years or five years. When your commission expires, you cannot notarize documents even if you have the stamp sitting in front of you. The document itself will not be accepted by banks, courts, or government offices because there is no active notary behind it.

Key Takeaways

  • A notary stamp has no expiration date, but the notary commission that authorizes its use does expire—usually after four years.
  • Once a notary commission expires, documents notarized with that stamp will no longer be accepted by banks, courts, or government agencies.
  • The expiration date of a notary commission is printed on the notary's official certificate, which the notary receives from the state.
  • A notary must renew their commission before it expires if they want to continue notarizing documents.

How long commissions last by state

Commission length varies by state. Most states issue four-year commissions, which is the most common term. Some states—including California, Florida, and Texas—issue four-year commissions. New York issues two-year commissions. A few states, including Illinois and Pennsylvania, issue five-year commissions.

You can find your state's commission length by checking your notary certificate or by contacting your state's Secretary of State office. The certificate itself always shows the expiration date printed on it, so if you have the physical document, you can read it directly. If you have lost the certificate, your state's notary division can tell you when your commission expires and help you renew it.

What happens when a notary commission expires

When a commission expires, the notary loses all authority to notarize documents. Any document notarized after the expiration date is invalid, even if the notary used the stamp and signed their name. Banks will reject loan documents. Courts will reject affidavits. Government offices will reject applications. The document has no legal standing.

If a notary notarizes a document after their commission has expired, they may face penalties depending on the state. Some states impose fines. Some states can revoke the notary's ability to renew. In rare cases, a notary who knowingly notarizes after expiration can face criminal charges. The safest approach is to check your commission date before notarizing anything and to renew well before the date arrives.

Documents notarized before expiration remain valid

A document notarized while the notary's commission was active stays valid forever, even after the notary's commission expires. The document does not become invalid on the day the commission ends. The validity comes from the fact that the notary had authority on the day they notarized it, and that authority cannot be retroactively removed.

This is why the expiration date of the notary commission matters for future notarizations but not for documents already notarized. A mortgage note notarized in 2020 by a notary whose commission expired in 2024 is still a valid notarized document. But that same notary cannot notarize a new document in 2024 or later unless they renew their commission.

How to check if a notary commission is still active

You can verify whether a notary's commission is active by checking your state's notary database. Most states maintain a public search tool on the Secretary of State website where you can enter a notary's name and see their commission status, expiration date, and sometimes their notary ID number. The process takes a few minutes and requires only the notary's name and the state where they are commissioned.

If you are having a document notarized and want to confirm the notary is legitimate, ask to see their notary certificate before they notarize anything. The certificate shows the commission number, the expiration date, and the state that issued it. You can then verify that information against the state database to make sure everything matches.

Renewing a notary commission before it expires

A notary must renew their commission before the expiration date if they want to continue notarizing. The renewal process varies by state but usually involves submitting a renewal process to the Secretary of State, paying a renewal fee, and sometimes completing a short training or exam. Some states allow online renewal; others require an in-person visit or a notarized process form.

The renewal fee ranges from under $50 to over $200 depending on the state. The timeline for renewal also varies—some states allow renewal up to six months before expiration, while others allow it only within a specific window. It is wise to start the renewal process at least two months before your commission expires to avoid any gap in your notary authority.

What to do if your commission has already expired

If your notary commission has expired and you need to notarize documents again, you must reapply for a new commission rather than straightforward renewing. The reapplication process is similar to the original process and includes submitting forms, paying a fee, and sometimes passing an exam or completing training. Your state's Secretary of State office can provide the exact steps and forms you need.

During the time between expiration and reapplication, you cannot notarize any documents. If someone asks you to notarize something while your commission is expired, you must decline. Using an expired commission is illegal and can result in fines or other penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a notary stamp after my commission expires?

No. Once your commission expires, the stamp is no longer legally valid. Any document you notarize after expiration will be rejected by banks, courts, and government offices. You must renew your commission before notarizing anything else.

Do documents I notarized before my commission expired still count as valid?

Yes. Documents notarized while your commission was active remain valid forever. The validity comes from the fact that you had authority when you notarized them. Expiration of your commission does not affect documents already notarized.

How do I find out when my notary commission expires?

Check your notary certificate—the expiration date is printed on it. If you have lost the certificate, contact your state's Secretary of State office or search your state's notary database online using your name.

Can I renew my commission before it expires?

Yes, most states allow renewal within a set window before expiration, usually starting six months before the date. Check your state's Secretary of State website for the exact renewal window and process.

What happens if I notarize a document after my commission expires?

The document will be invalid and rejected by any institution that receives it. You may also face penalties including fines or loss of your ability to renew your commission in the future.