A notary commission has an expiration date set by your state, and it is not automatic to renew

Your notary commission expires on a specific date determined by your state—typically every four or five years, though the exact term varies. When that date passes, you can no longer perform notarial acts legally, even if you have your seal and journal. Renewal requires you to take action before the expiration date; most states do not send reminders, and letting your commission lapse means starting the process process over from the beginning.

The expiration date appears on your notary certificate or commission document. If you have lost that document, you can contact your state's Secretary of State office or the body that issued your commission—usually the county clerk or state notary board—and they will tell you the exact date. Some states allow you to renew up to six months before expiration; others require you to wait until after it has expired. Starting the renewal process at the wrong time can delay your reappointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Notary commissions expire on a date set by your state, typically every four or five years, and you must renew before that date to stay commissioned.
  • Your state's Secretary of State office or county clerk can tell you your exact expiration date if you do not have your commission document.
  • Renewal usually requires paying a fee, completing a form, and sometimes passing a background check or exam, depending on your state.
  • If your commission expires, you cannot perform notarial acts until you have renewed, and documents you notarize after expiration may be invalid.
  • Some states allow early renewal up to six months before expiration; others require you to wait until after the date has passed.

How long a notary commission lasts

Commission terms vary by state. Most states issue commissions for four or five years; a few issue them for six or seven. Your state's Secretary of State website lists the term length for your state. The expiration date is printed on your commission certificate, which you should keep in a safe place for this reason.

If you have moved to a different state, your old commission does not transfer. You must obtain a new commission from your new state of residence. Some states require you to be a resident or have a business address in the state to hold a commission; others do not. Check your new state's requirements before assuming your old commission is still valid.

When you can start the renewal process

The timing for renewal depends on your state's rules. Some states allow you to renew up to six months before your commission expires; others require you to wait until after the expiration date has passed. A few states have a grace period of 30 to 60 days after expiration during which you can still renew without reapplying from scratch. If you miss that window, you must submit a new process as if you were explore for the first time.

Contact your state's Secretary of State office or county clerk at least three months before your expiration date to learn the exact renewal window for your state and to request the renewal form. Do not assume you know the rules—they vary significantly, and submitting a renewal at the wrong time can add weeks to the process.

What happens if your commission expires

Once your commission expires, you are no longer a notary public. You cannot perform notarial acts—you cannot notarize signatures, administer oaths, or certify documents. If you notarize a document after your commission has expired, that notarization is invalid, and the document may be rejected by banks, courts, or government agencies.

If you are in the middle of notarizing documents for a client or employer when your commission expires, you must stop when ready. Any documents notarized after the expiration date will need to be re-notarized by an active notary. This is why it is important to track your expiration date and begin renewal well in advance.

The renewal process and what it requires

Renewal typically involves completing a form provided by your state, paying a renewal fee (usually $50 to $150, though this varies), and submitting the form to the correct office. Some states require a background check or fingerprinting; others require you to pass a notary exam again. A few states require you to take a continuing education course. Your state's Secretary of State website will list all requirements for your state.

The processing time for renewal varies. Some states process renewals in two to four weeks; others take six to eight weeks. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, you may have a gap during which you are not commissioned. Plan ahead to avoid this. Some states will issue a temporary commission while your renewal is being processed; ask whether yours does.

Keeping track of your expiration date

Write your expiration date on your calendar or set a phone reminder for three months before it arrives. Keep your commission certificate in a safe, accessible place—not in a file you rarely open. If you work as a notary regularly, your employer may also track this date, but do not rely on them to remind you; it is your responsibility.

If you lose your commission certificate, contact your state's Secretary of State office when ready and request a replacement. They can also confirm your expiration date over the phone. Having a copy of your certificate on file at home or work can save time if the original is lost.

What to do if you have already let your commission expire

If your commission has already expired and you did not renew within your state's grace period (if one exists), you must submit a new process. This is the same process as explore for a notary commission for the first time: you will need to complete the process form, pay the process fee, and meet all requirements for your state. You may also need to take the notary exam again, depending on your state's rules.

Contact your state's Secretary of State office or county clerk to request the process form and learn what documents you need to submit. The process typically takes four to eight weeks. Once you are reappointed, your new commission will have a new expiration date, usually four or five years from the date of reappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my notary commission if I have moved to a different state?

No. Your commission is valid only in the state that issued it. If you move, you must obtain a new commission from your new state. Contact your new state's Secretary of State office to learn the process process and requirements. Your old commission becomes invalid once you establish residency in the new state, though some states allow a grace period if you are still working in the old state.

What happens to documents I notarized before my commission expired?

Documents you notarized while your commission was active remain valid. The notarization is not retroactively invalidated by the expiration of your commission. However, documents you notarize after your commission expires are invalid and may be rejected.

Do I have to take the notary exam again when I renew?

It depends on your state. Some states require you to pass the exam again at renewal; others do not. Check your state's Secretary of State website or call the office that issued your commission to learn whether an exam is required for renewal in your state.

How much does it cost to renew a notary commission?

Renewal fees vary by state, typically ranging from $50 to $150. Some states charge the same fee for renewal as for an initial process; others charge less. Your state's Secretary of State website will list the exact fee. You usually pay when you submit your renewal form.

What if I do not use my notary commission—do I still have to renew it?

That is your choice. If you do not plan to work as a notary again, you do not have to renew. However, if you think you might use it in the future, renewing is simpler than letting it expire and reapplying later. If you decide not to renew, some states ask you to formally surrender your commission; contact your Secretary of State office to learn your state's procedure.