How to Renew as a Notary
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to renew your notary commission. As a dedicated notary public, your role in certifying documents and performing other vital legal functions is indispensable. Whether you’re a seasoned notary or a newcomer looking to navigate the renewal process, this guide is here to provide you with a clear and concise roadmap to successfully renewing your notary commission.
Renewing your notary commission involves a series of essential steps, from understanding renewal requirements in your jurisdiction to completing any necessary paperwork and training. Our guide will walk you through the entire process, highlighting key considerations, potential challenges, and expert tips to make renewing your notary commission smooth and hassle-free. We understand that staying current as a notary is crucial, and we’re here to empower you with the knowledge you need to confidently renew your commission and continue your important work with integrity and professionalism.
How to Renew as an Alabama Notary
Alabama State Senate Bill 322 provides for a uniform application and process for becoming a Notary Public in Alabama.
1. Complete the Alabama Application for Notary Public Commission.
2. File the notary application with your local Probate office.
3. Receive the notification of approval from the Probate Office.
4. Complete the Alabama Notary Public Training course and print the course completion certificate within 30 days of “Application.”
5. Purchase a $50,000 Alabama notary surety bond.
6. Take your training course completion certificate and your bond to the local probate office.
7. Purchase an Alabama notary stamp.
Source: Alabama Secretary of State
How to Renew as an Alaska Notary
1. Purchase an Alaska notary bond or obtain an employer approval form. The employer approval form replaces the notary bond requirement if you are applying for a Limited Governmental Commission.
2. Complete the Alaska notary application.
3. Submit your notary application and bond.
4. Receive an automated email with an oath of office PDF file.
5. Print the oath of office and have the oath of office administered to you by a notary.
6. Upload the completed oath of office and pay the application fee.
7. Receive your new Alaska notary commission.
8. Purchase an Alaska notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Alaska Office of Lt. Governor
How to Renew as an Arizona Notary
1. Purchase an Arizona notary bond. You can purchase your bond, stamp, and journal together in the Arizona Notary Supplies Package.
2. Submit the Arizona notary application, the signed and notarized bond, and the $43 application fee to the state.
3. Receive your new Arizona notary commission.
4. Purchase an Arizona notary stamp and a notary journal.
5. Send a copy of your commission letter to the company with which you ordered your stamp. If you ordered with us, send your commission letter to sales@notary.net.
6. Receive your Arizona notary stamp and supplies.
Source: Arizona Notary Public Reference Manual
How to Renew as an Arkansas Notary
1. Purchase an Arkansas notary bond.
2. Pass the Arkansas notary exam. In order to take the exam, you will have to login or create an account here.
3. Complete the Arkansas notary application.
4. Mail the completed application to the Arkansas Secretary of State.
5. Once your application is approved, you will receive two (2) oath of commission certificates.
6. Take both oath of commission certificates to the recorder of deeds in your county.
7. Return one (1) of the completed oath of commission certificates, by mail or in person, to the Arkansas Secretary of State.
8. Receive your certificate of commission and notary public identification card.
9. Purchase an Arkansas notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Arkansas Notary Handbook
How to Renew as a California Notary
1. Complete a 3 hour state-approved California notary training course.
2. Register for the California notary exam.
3. Pass the California notary exam.
4. Submit your fingerprints via Live Scan.
5. Receive your commission packet.
6. Purchase a California notary bond, stamp, and journal.
7. If you ordered your stamp and supplies with us, send us your original Certificate of Authorization by mail.
8. File your California notary bond and take the oath of office.
Source: California Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Colorado Notary
1. Complete the affirmation form.
2. Take the Colorado notary training course.
3. Pass the Colorado notary exam.
4. Complete and submit the Colorado notary application.
5. Receive your new notary commission certificate.
6. Order a Colorado notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Colorado Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Connecticut Notary
1. Review the Connecticut Notary Public Manual.
2. Complete a Jurat and Writing Sample.
3. Have someone else complete a Certificate of Character.
4. Complete the Connecticut notary application.
5. Purchase a Connecticut notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Connecticut Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Delaware Notary
1. Login to your Delaware notary profile and select “Renew Commission.”
2. Purchase a Delaware notary stamp.
Source: Delaware.gov
How to Renew as a Florida Notary
1. Complete and submit the Florida notary application.
2. Purchase a Florida notary bond. File the bond and pay the filing fee.
3. Purchase a new Florida notary stamp.
Source: Florida Department of State
How to Renew as a Georgia Notary
1. Complete the Georgia notary application.
2. Bring the completed Georgia notary application to the Clerk of Superior Court in your county.
3. Pay the notary application fee and take the oath of office.
4. Receive your certificate of appointment.
5. Purchase a Georgia notary stamp and a notary journal.
6. Send a copy of your commission letter to the company with which you ordered your stamp. If you ordered with us, send your commission letter to sales@notary.net.
7. Receive your Georgia notary stamp and supplies.
Source: Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority
How to Renew as a Hawaii Notary
1. Purchase a Hawaii notary bond.
2. Complete and submit the Hawaii notary application.
3. Schedule the Hawaii notary exam.
4. Pass the notary exam.
5. Order your notary commission.
6. Purchase a Hawaii notary stamp and a soft-cover notary journal.
7. After being commissioned, file a photocopy of your notary commission, an impression of your seal stamp, and a specimen of your official signature with the clerk of the circuit court of the circuit in which you reside.
Source: Hawaii Department of the Attorney General
How to Renew as an Idaho Notary
1. Purchase an Idaho notary bond.
2. Complete the Idaho notary application.
3. Submit the bond and the completed application to the Secretary of State.
4. Receive your Idaho notary commission certificate.
5. Purchase an Idaho notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Idaho Secretary of State
How to Renew an Illinois Notary Commission
1. Take a state-approved Illinois notary course.
2. Purchase an Illinois notary bond:
- New or renewing notaries who want to perform traditional notarizations need a $5,000 notary bond.
- New or renewing notaries who want to perform traditional and remote or electronic notarizations need a $30,000 bond.
- Notaries with a $5,000 bond who wish to begin performing remote or electronic notarizations need a $25,000 bond.
3. Complete the Illinois notary application:
- If you are an Illinois resident, complete the Illinois Notary Public Application.
- If you are a non-resident, complete the Illinois Non-resident Notary Public Application.
4. Submit the completed application and bond to the Illinois Secretary of State.
5. Receive your Illinois notary commission certificate.
6. Purchase an Illinois notary stamp and a journal.
Source: Illinois Secretary of State
How to Renew as an Indiana Notary
1. Purchase an Indiana notary bond.
2. Complete the Indiana notary application.
3. Take the Indiana notary continuing education course.
4. Pass the state notary exam.
5. Receive your Indiana notary commission.
6. Purchase an Indiana notary stamp.
Source: Indiana Secretary of State
How to Renew as an Iowa Notary
1. Complete and submit the Iowa notary application.
2. Receive your Iowa notary commission.
3. Purchase an Iowa notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Iowa Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Kansas Notary
1. Purchase a Kansas notary bond, stamp and journal.
2. Complete and submit the Kansas notary application.
3. Receive your Kansas notary commission certificate.
Source: Kansas Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Kentucky Notary
1. Purchase a Kentucky notary bond.
2. Complete the Kentucky notary application.
3. Submit the application to the Kentucky Secretary of State.
4. Once your application is approved, go to the county clerk in your county in order to file your bond, take the oath of office, and receive your commission certificate.
4. Purchase a Kentucky notary stamp and journal.
Source: Kentucky Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Louisiana Notary
1. Complete the Louisiana notary application.
2. Take and pass the Louisiana notary exam.
3. Receive your Louisiana notary commission.
4. Purchase a Louisiana notary stamp and journal.
Source: Louisiana Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Maine Notary
To renew your Maine notary commission, you must:
1. Login or create an account here.
2. Take and pass the Maine notary exam. The exam questions are based on the Maine Notary Public Course of Study.
3. Complete the online renewal process.
4. Print the Maine notary renewal application, the oath of office, and the renewal notice.
5. Appear before a Dedimus Justice with the oath of office.
6. Submit the completed application to the Maine Secretary of State.
7. Purchase a Maine notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Maine Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Maryland Notary
1. Study the Maryland Notary Handbook.
2. Take a state-approved notary training course.
3. Complete the Maryland notary application.
4. Receive notice that your application was approved.
5. Within 30 days of the date you were notified, appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county. Take the oath of office.
6. Receive your new notary commission from the Clerk of the Court.
7. Purchase a Maryland notary stamp and a journal.
Source: Maryland Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Massachusetts Notary
To renew your Massachusetts notary commission, you must:
1. Receive your notary renewal application in the mail.
2. Complete the application.
3. Purchase a Massachusetts notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
How to Renew as a Michigan Notary
1. Complete the Michigan notary application.
2. Print the completed application.
3. Purchase a Michigan notary bond.
4. Take the Michigan notary application and bond to your county clerk. File your notary bond and take the oath of office.
5. Upload your final notary application.
6. Purchase a Michigan notary stamp and a journal.
Source: Michigan Secretary of State
How to Renew a Minnesota Notary
1. Create an account or login to the Minnesota Notary & Apostille website.
2. Review your information, then click “Renew.”
3. Print your notary commission certificate.
4. Follow the instructions on your commission certificate to register with your county.
5. Purchase a Minnesota notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Minnesota Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Mississippi Notary
1. Complete the Mississippi notary application.
2. Purchase a Mississippi notary bond.
3. File your Mississippi notary bond and the oath of office with the Secretary of State.
4. Receive your new commission certificate.
5. Purchase a Mississippi notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Mississippi Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Missouri Notary
1. Login or create an account on the Missouri Notaries & Commissions website.
2. Take the online Missouri training course.
3. Complete the Missouri notary application.
4. Receive your new notary commission.
5. Purchase a Missouri notary bond.
6. Within 60 days of receiving your new commission, file your notary bond and oath at your county clerk’s office.
7. Purchase a Missouri notary stamp and journal.
8. Send a copy of your commission letter to the company with which you ordered your stamp. If you ordered with us, send your commission letter to sales@notary.net.
9. Receive your notary stamp and supplies.
Source: Missouri Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Montana Notary
1. Complete a state-approved Montana notary course.
2. Pass the Montana notary exam.
3. Purchase a Montana notary bond.
4. Complete the Montana notary application.
5. Receive your commission certificate.
6. Purchase a Montana notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Montana Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Nebraska Notary
1. Purchase a Nebraska notary bond.
2. Complete the Nebraska notary application.
3. Submit the completed Nebraska application.
4. Receive your Nebraska notary commission.
5. Purchase a Nebraska notary stamp and journal.
Source: Nebraska Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Nevada Notary
1. Purchase a Nevada notary bond.
2. File your bond with the office of the county clerk of your county. Take the oath office.
3. Receive the Filing Notice from the county clerk.
4. Complete the Nevada notary training course.
5. Pass the notary exam.
6. Complete the Nevada notary application. You will need to login or create an account on SilverFlume.
7. Receive your commission certificate.
8. Purchase a Nevada notary stamp and a notary journal.
9. Send a copy of your commission letter to the company with which you ordered your stamp. If you ordered with us, send your commission letter to sales@notary.net.
10. Receive your notary stamp and supplies.
Source: Nevada Secretary of State
How to Renew as a New Hampshire Notary
1. A renewal application will be mailed to you ~12 weeks before your current commission expires.
2. Complete the application and send it to the Secretary of State.
3. Receive your notary commission packet.
4. Sign and take your oath of office in the presence of two justices of the peace OR two notaries OR one notary and one justice of the peace. Those who sign your oath should also sign your notary commission.
5. Return your oath of office to the Secretary of State.
6. Purchase a New Hampshire notary stamp and journal.
Source: New Hampshire Secretary of State
How to Renew as a New Jersey Notary
1. Study the New Jersey Notary Handbook.
2. Complete a six-hour study course approved by the State Treasurer.
3. Pass an exam prescribed by the State Treasurer.
4. Complete the New Jersey Notary Renewal Application.
5. Purchase a New Jersey notary stamp.
Source: New Jersey Department of the Treasury
How to Renew as a New Mexico Notary
1. Purchase a New Mexico notary bond.
2. Complete the New Mexico notary application.
3. Purchase a New Mexico notary stamp.
4. Register your notary stamp impression within 45 days of renewal.
Source: New Mexico Secretary of State
How to Renew as a New York Notary
1. Login or create an account to complete the New York notary renewal application.
2. Purchase a New York notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: New York Department of State
How to Renew as a North Carolina Notary
1. Login to your North Carolina Notary Account.
2. Review your information and pay the $50 application fee.
3. Pass the online North Carolina notary exam.
4. Print and complete the North Carolina notary application.
5. Mail the completed application to the Secretary of State.
6. Receive your oath of office.
7. Within 45 days of the oath notification issue date, take the oath of office at the Register of Deeds in your county.
8. Purchase a North Carolina notary stamp.
Source: North Carolina Secretary of State
How to Renew as a North Dakota Notary
1. Purchase a North Dakota notary bond, stamp, and journal.
2. Complete the North Dakota notary renewal application.
3. Receive your Certificate of Authorization.
4. Send a copy of your Certificate of Authorization to the company with which you ordered your stamp. If you ordered with us, send your COA to sales@notary.net.
5. Return the Verification of Notary Public Stamping Device form to the Secretary of State with an impression of your stamp.
6. Receive your notary commission certificate.
Source: North Dakota Secretary of State
How to Renew as an Ohio Notary
1. Obtain a notary background check. Click here for a list of authorized providers.
2. Complete a state-approved Ohio notary training course.
3. Complete the Ohio notary renewal application.
4. Purchase an Ohio notary stamp and journal.
Source: Ohio Secretary of State
How to Renew as an Oklahoma Notary
1. Click here, and select “Commission Renewal.”
2. Follow these instructions to complete your renewal application.
3. Receive your notary commission certificate.
4. Purchase an Oklahoma notary stamp and journal.
Source: Oklahoma Secretary of State
How to Renew as an Oregon Notary
1. Click here, and select “Renew my active commission.”
2. Complete the Oregon notary application.
3. Purchase an Oregon notary stamp and journal.
Source: Oregon Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Pennsylvania Notary
1. Complete a 3-hour Pennsylvania notary training course.
2. Purchase a Pennsylvania notary bond, stamp, and journal.
3. Complete the Pennsylvania notary reappointment application. You will need to attach the 3-hour course completion certificate to the application.
4. Receive your Notice of Appointee letter and blank bond letter.
5. Send your blank bond letter to the company with which you ordered your supplies. If you ordered with us, email your blank bond letter to sales@notary.net.
6. Within 45 days after the date of appointment, file your completed bond with the Recorder of Deeds in your county and register your signature with your county’s Prothonotary.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State
How to Renew as a Rhode Island Notary
1. Review the Rhode Island notary laws and the standards of conduct.
2. Complete the Rhode Island notary exam.
3. Complete the Rhode Island notary renewal application. Appear before a Rhode Island notary and complete the oath of office.
4. Submit the completed application to the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
5. Purchase a Rhode Island notary stamp and journal.
Source: Rhode Island Secretary of State
How to Renew as a South Carolina Notary
1. Print and complete the South Carolina notary application. You must take the oath of office before a South Carolina notary public.
2. Mail the completed application to your county delegation office.
3. Purchase a South Carolina notary stamp and journal.
Source: South Carolina Secretary of State
How to Renew as a South Dakota Notary
1. Purchase a South Dakota notary stamp and bond.
2. Complete the South Dakota notary application.
3. Send the completed application to the South Dakota Secretary of State.
Source: South Dakota Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Tennessee Notary
1. Obtain the Tennessee notary application from your county clerk’s office.
2. Complete the application.
3. Purchase a Tennessee notary bond.
4. File your notary bond and take the oath of office at your county clerk’s office.
5. Order a Tennessee notary stamp and journal.
Source: Tennessee Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Texas Notary
1. Purchase a Texas notary bond.
2. Complete the Texas notary application. This is listed here as “Form 2301.”
3. Send the completed application to the Texas Secretary of State.
4. Purchase a Texas notary stamp and a journal. You can purchase your bond and supplies together in the Texas notary supplies package.
Source: Texas Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Utah Notary
1. Login or create an account here.
2. Pass the Utah notary exam.
3. Submit the mandatory background check.
4. Purchase a Utah notary bond.
5. Get your Oath of Office notarized.
6. Submit the completed application, bond, and oath of office.
7. Purchase a Utah notary stamp and journal.
8. Send a copy of your commission letter to the company with which you ordered your stamp. If you ordered with us, send your commission letter to sales@notary.net.
Source: Utah Lieutenant Governor
How to Renew as a Vermont Notary
1. Complete a Vermont Notary Course.
2. Login to the Vermont Online Services Platform.
3. Select “renew license” and complete the Vermont renewal application.
4. Purchase a Vermont notary stamp and journal.
Source: Vermont Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Virginia Notary
1. Complete the Virginia notary application.
2. Receive a notice that your commission has been sent to the court.
3. Go to the Circuit Court to take your oath and be sworn in as a Virginia notary.
4. Claim your commission within 60 days of it being issued.
5. Purchase a Virginia notary stamp and a notary journal.
Source: Virginia Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Washington Notary
1. Purchase a Washington notary bond.
2. Complete the Washington notary renewal application here.
3. Purchase a Washington notary stamp and a notary journal.
4. Send your commission certificate to the company with which you ordered your stamp. If you ordered with us, email your commission certificate to sales@notary.net.
Source: Washington State Department of Licensing
How to Renew as a Washington D.C. Notary
1. Complete the Washington DC notary application.
2. Receive the Appointment Notice and your bond form.
3. Purchase a Washington DC notary bond, a notary embossing seal, a jurat stamp, and a journal.
4. Send your bond form to the company with which you ordered your bond. If you ordered with us, email your bond form to sales@notary.net.
5. Go to the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications and take the oath of office.
Source: Washington DC Office of the Secretary
How to Renew as a West Virginia Notary
1. Login or create an account here in order to renew your notary commission.
2. Receive your commission letter with an image of your notary seal.
3. Purchase a West Virginia notary stamp and a notary journal.
4. Send a copy of your commission letter to the company with which you ordered your stamp. If you ordered with us, send your commission letter to sales@notary.net.
5. Receive your West Virginia notary commission certificate and your notary handbook.
Source: West Virginia Secretary of State
How to Renew as a Wisconsin Notary
1. Complete the Wisconsin Notary Tutorial Exam and obtain the exam pass certificate.
2. Purchase a Wisconsin notary bond and a notary stamp.
3. Take the Oath of Office before a current Wisconsin notary.
4. Complete the Wisconsin notary application.
5. Submit the completed application and pay the $20 filing fee.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
How to Renew as a Wyoming Notary
1. Review the Wyoming Notary Education Presentation.
2. Complete the Wyoming notary application and exam, found here.
3. Submit the completed notary application to the Wyoming Secretary of State.
4. Purchase a Wyoming notary stamp and journal.
Source: Wyoming Secretary of State
