What you need to do to get your notary commission back
Reinstating a notary license depends on why it lapsed. If your commission straightforward expired because you did not renew it on time, you can usually reapply through your state's notary office — the process is similar to getting a new commission, though some states offer a shortened path for lapsed notaries. If your license was revoked by your state for misconduct or violation of notary law, reinstatement is much harder and may require a formal petition or waiting period.
The first step is finding out which situation you are in. Contact your state's Secretary of State office, notary division, or the agency that issued your commission — they can tell you whether your license expired or was revoked, and what your options are. Some states post this information online; others require a phone call or written request.
Key Takeaways
- An expired notary license can usually be renewed or reapplied for through your state's Secretary of State office using a standard process form.
- A revoked license requires contacting the agency that revoked it to understand the reason and any waiting periods or conditions for reinstatement.
- Most states require you to pass the notary exam again if your commission has been lapsed for more than a few years.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement or renewal fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $50 to $200.
- Processing time for reinstatement is usually two to four weeks, though some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
Reinstating an expired notary commission
If your notary license expired because you did not renew it before the important date, you are working with an expired commission rather than a revoked one. Most states allow you to reapply without penalty, though the exact process varies. Some states have a "grace period" — usually 30 to 90 days after expiration — during which you can renew at the standard renewal fee. After that period, you may need to submit a full new process instead of a straightforward renewal.
Start by visiting your state's Secretary of State website and looking for the notary public section. read the renewal or reinstatement process form. You will typically need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and your previous notary commission number. Some states require you to take the notary exam again if your commission has been expired for more than two years; others waive the exam for renewals within a certain window. Call your state's notary office to confirm whether you need to test before submitting your process.
Submit the completed process along with the required fee and any supporting documents — usually a copy of your ID and proof of residency. Mail it to the address listed on the form, or submit it online if your state offers that option. You should receive confirmation of receipt within one to two weeks, and your new commission should arrive within two to four weeks after that.
Reinstating a revoked notary license
A revoked license is different from an expired one. Revocation means your state took action to cancel your commission, usually because of a violation of notary law — forging signatures, notarizing documents you did not witness, charging illegal fees, or failing to maintain proper records. Reinstatement after revocation is not automatic and often requires proving that the violation will not happen again.
Contact the agency that revoked your license — usually the Secretary of State's notary division — and request a written explanation of why your license was revoked. Ask whether there is a waiting period before you can reapply, and what conditions you must meet to be considered for reinstatement. Some states impose a mandatory waiting period of one to five years; others allow you to petition for reinstatement when ready but require additional documentation or a hearing.
If reinstatement is possible, you will likely need to submit a formal petition or process that addresses the reason for revocation directly. This might include a letter explaining what you have learned, evidence that you have taken a notary training course since the revocation, or character references. Some states require you to appear before a notary board or administrative hearing officer. Budget several months for this process, as it is more involved than a standard renewal.
Exam requirements when reinstating
Whether you must retake the notary exam depends on how long your commission has been lapsed and your state's rules. If your license expired less than two years ago, most states waive the exam for renewal. If it has been expired for more than two years, or if your license was revoked, you will almost certainly need to pass the exam again before reinstatement.
Your state's Secretary of State office will tell you whether an exam is required when you contact them about reinstatement. If you need to test, you can usually schedule an appointment through your state's notary office or an approved testing vendor. The exam typically covers notary duties, legal requirements, document handling, and fraud prevention. Study materials are usually available free on your state's website or through the testing vendor. Most people spend two to four weeks preparing and can schedule the exam within one to two weeks of deciding to take it.
Fees and processing time
Reinstatement fees vary significantly by state. Most states charge between $50 and $200 for renewal or reinstatement of an expired commission. If you need to retake the exam, there is usually a separate exam fee of $20 to $100. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee — typically $25 to $50 — that cuts processing time from four weeks to one to two weeks.
Standard processing time is two to four weeks from the date your state receives your completed process. This includes time for the state to review your process, verify your information, and issue your new commission. If you are reinstating after revocation, add several weeks to this timeline because your process will require additional review or a hearing. Check your state's website or call the notary office to confirm current processing times, as they can vary depending on process volume.
What to do while waiting for reinstatement
You cannot perform notary duties while your commission is lapsed or revoked. If you are a notary public employee — working for a bank, title company, or law firm — tell your employer when ready that your commission is being reinstated and when you expect to receive your new one. They may reassign your notary duties to another employee temporarily.
If you are a self-employed notary or mobile notary, you will need to pause your business until your new commission arrives. Notarizing documents without a valid commission is illegal and can result in criminal charges. Once you receive your new commission, you can resume work when ready. Some states require you to take an oath of office again or have your new commission officially recorded before you begin notarizing; check your state's requirements before your first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize documents while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot perform any notary duties while your commission is expired or revoked. Notarizing without a valid commission is illegal and can result in criminal charges, fines, or civil liability. Wait until you receive your new commission before notarizing any documents.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Standard reinstatement of an expired commission takes two to four weeks from the date your state receives your process. Reinstatement after revocation takes longer — usually six to twelve weeks — because it requires additional review or a hearing. Some states offer expedited processing that reduces standard time to one to two weeks for an extra fee.
Do I have to retake the notary exam to reinstate my license?
It depends on how long your commission has been lapsed and your state's rules. Most states waive the exam if your license expired less than two years ago. If it has been expired longer than that, or if your license was revoked, you will need to pass the exam again. Contact your state's notary office to confirm the requirement for your situation.
What if I do not know why my license was revoked?
Contact your state's Secretary of State notary division and request a written explanation. They are required to provide this information. Once you understand the reason, you can determine whether reinstatement is possible and what steps you need to take. If the reason is unclear, ask to speak with a supervisor or request a formal review.
Can I reinstate my notary license in a different state?
No. Notary commissions are issued by individual states and are not transferable. If you move to a different state, you will need to explore for a new notary commission in that state. Your previous commission from another state will not be recognized. Contact your new state's Secretary of State office for information about becoming a notary there.