Renewing your notary license is a state-level process, not federal
Your notary commission expires on a date set by your state — typically every four or five years, though this varies. Unlike a driver's license, you cannot renew online in most states. You will need to submit a paper process to your Secretary of State's office (or the equivalent body in your state), pay a renewal fee, and in many states complete a notary education course or exam before you submit.
The exact steps depend on which state issued your commission. Some states let you renew up to six months before expiration; others require you to wait until closer to the expiration date. Starting the process three months before your commission expires gives you a buffer if documents get lost in the mail or your state processes applications slowly.
Key Takeaways
- Your notary commission renewal important date is set by your state, and you must renew through your Secretary of State's office or equivalent state body.
- Most states require you to complete a notary education course or pass an exam before you can renew, even if you did this when you first became a notary.
- Renewal fees vary by state but typically range from $50 to $200, and you pay this when you submit your process.
- You should begin the renewal process at least two to three months before your commission expires to avoid a lapse in your authority to notarize documents.
Find your state's notary renewal requirements and important date
Start by locating your current notary commission certificate or the letter you received when you were first commissioned. This document shows your expiration date and the state that issued your commission. If you cannot find it, search online for "[Your State] Secretary of State notary renewal" — this will take you to the official page for your state's notary program.
On that page, you will find the renewal important date, the fee amount, whether your state requires an exam or course, and the process form itself. Some states post this information clearly; others bury it under a "Notary Public" or "Commissions" section. If you cannot locate it after searching, call your Secretary of State's office directly — the phone number is on the state website. A staff member can tell you the exact important date and what documents you need to submit.
Complete any required education or exam before you explore
About half of U.S. states require notaries to take an education course or pass an exam as part of renewal. Some states require this every renewal cycle; others only require it the first time you become a notary. Check your state's website to see whether this applies to you.
If your state requires a course, you may be able to take it online through an approved provider. The course typically covers notary law, ethical responsibilities, and common mistakes notaries make. It usually takes two to four hours to complete. If your state requires an exam instead, you will take a written test — either in person at a testing center or online, depending on your state's rules. You must pass the exam before you submit your renewal process.
Keep your course completion certificate or exam passing score. You will need to include this with your renewal process, or at minimum have it available if your state asks for proof.
Gather documents and complete the renewal process
Your state's renewal process will ask for basic information: your name, address, date of birth, and the date your current commission expires. Some states also ask whether you have been convicted of a felony or had a notary commission revoked or suspended in any state. Answer these questions truthfully — lying on a notary process can result in denial and potential legal consequences.
You will also need to provide proof of identity and residency. Most states accept a driver's license or passport for identity and a utility bill or lease for residency. A few states require you to have your process notarized by another notary before you submit it — check your state's rules to see if this applies. If it does, you will need to visit another notary in person or arrange for a mobile notary to come to you.
Fill out the process completely and legibly. Incomplete applications get rejected and sent back, which delays your renewal. If you are unsure about any question, call your Secretary of State's office before you submit.
Submit your process and pay the renewal fee
Most states require you to mail your completed process, supporting documents, and renewal fee to your Secretary of State's office. A few states now accept online submission through a portal on their website — check whether your state offers this option before you print and mail.
The renewal fee varies by state. It typically ranges from $50 to $200, though some states charge more. Pay by check or money order made out to your state's Secretary of State office, unless your state's website specifies a different payment method. Include the fee with your mailed process, or pay online if your state's system allows it.
Mail your process to the address listed on your state's notary renewal page. Use certified mail or a tracked service so you have proof of delivery. Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.
Track your process and receive your renewed commission
Processing times vary by state. Some states process renewal applications in two to three weeks; others take six to eight weeks or longer, especially during busy periods. Your state's website may show an estimated processing time.
If your state offers online tracking, you can check the status of your process on their website using your process number or Social Security number. If not, you can call the Secretary of State's office to ask whether your process has been received and processed. Do not assume your renewal is complete until you receive your new commission certificate in the mail.
Once approved, your state will mail you a new notary commission certificate. This certificate is your proof that you are authorized to notarize documents. Your new commission becomes effective on the date shown on the certificate — typically the day after your old commission expires, though some states have a gap. You cannot notarize documents using an expired commission, so do not perform notarizations after your current commission expires, even if you have submitted your renewal process.
What to do if your commission expires before you receive your renewal
If your renewal process is still being processed when your current commission expires, you cannot notarize documents during the gap. This is why starting the process early matters. If this happens, contact your Secretary of State's office when ready to ask about the status of your process and whether there is anything you can do to speed up processing.
Some states will issue a temporary commission or letter confirming that your renewal is pending, which may allow you to continue notarizing in limited circumstances. Others will not. Ask your state directly what options exist if there is a lapse. In the future, submit your renewal process at least four months before your commission expires to avoid this problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my notary license online?
Most states do not offer fully online renewal yet, though this is changing. A few states now accept online applications through their Secretary of State website. Check your state's notary renewal page to see if online submission is available. Even if you can submit your process online, you will still need to mail in original documents or have them notarized by another notary.
What happens if I miss the renewal important date?
Your commission becomes invalid on the expiration date. You cannot notarize documents after that date, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you miss the important date, you will need to reapply as a new notary rather than renewing, which means taking the full exam or course again and paying a new notary fee. Some states allow a short grace period — check your state's rules.
Do I have to renew in the same state where I got my first commission?
Yes. You renew through the state that issued your commission. If you have moved to a different state, you will need to let your original state know your new address so they can mail your renewed commission to you. Some states allow you to update your address online; others require you to include an address change form with your renewal process.
Can I renew my notary license if I have a criminal record?
This depends on your state and the nature of the conviction. Most states disqualify notaries who have been convicted of a felony, and some disqualify notaries for certain misdemeanors. Your renewal process will ask about this. If you have a conviction, contact your Secretary of State's office before you submit your process to find out whether you are still may be able to access to renew.
How much does notary renewal cost?
Renewal fees vary by state and typically range from $50 to $200. Some states charge the same fee for renewal as for a new commission; others charge less. Check your state's notary renewal page for the exact fee. You will also need to pay for any required education course or exam, which can add $20 to $100 depending on the provider and your state.