How to reinstate your Florida notary commission after it expires or lapses
If your Florida notary commission has expired or lapsed, you can reinstate it by submitting a renewal process to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. The reinstatement process is similar to renewing an active commission, but the timing and requirements depend on how long your commission has been inactive. You will need to complete the official process form, provide proof of a current background check, and pay the renewal fee.
The key difference between reinstatement and renewal is that reinstatement applies when your commission has already ended, whereas renewal happens before expiration. Both routes use the same process and the same fee, but reinstatement may require additional documentation if your commission has been inactive for an extended period.
Key Takeaways
- Reinstatement requires submitting the official Florida notary process form to the Department of State, along with proof of a current background check and the renewal fee.
- Your background check must be current at the time you submit your reinstatement process; an expired background check will delay processing.
- The renewal fee for a four-year commission is set by the state and does not vary based on how long your commission has been inactive.
- You can submit your reinstatement process by mail to the Department of State's address or through their online portal if you have a Florida driver's license or ID.
- Processing typically takes several weeks, and you will receive a new commission certificate by mail once your process is approved.
What documents you need to reinstate
To reinstate your Florida notary commission, you must submit the process for Notary Public form (Form DSC 1), which is available on the Florida Department of State website. This is the same form used for new applications and renewals. You will fill in your personal information, notary history, and contact details.
You must also provide proof of a current background check. Florida requires a background check completed within the past year at the time of submission. The check must be conducted by a vendor approved by the Florida Department of State. If your previous background check has expired, you will need to pay for a new one before you submit your reinstatement process. The cost of the background check is separate from the reinstatement fee and is paid directly to the background check vendor.
Finally, you must include the reinstatement fee. The fee covers a four-year commission term. The exact amount is set by the state and can be found on the Department of State's notary page or by calling their office directly.
How to submit your reinstatement process
You have two options for submitting your reinstatement process: by mail or online through the Department of State's portal.
To submit by mail, send your completed Form DSC 1, proof of your current background check, and the reinstatement fee to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, at the address listed on their website. Include a check or money order made payable to the Florida Department of State. Mail delivery typically takes one to two weeks, and processing begins once the office receives your materials.
To submit online, visit the Florida Department of State's notary portal. You will need a valid Florida driver's license or ID to log in. The online system allows you to upload your background check proof and pay the fee by credit card. Online submission is faster than mail and gives you a confirmation receipt when ready. Processing time is the same for both methods, usually three to six weeks from the date the office receives a complete process.
What happens after you submit your process
Once the Department of State receives your complete process, they will review it for accuracy and verify that your background check is current. If everything is in order, your process will be approved. If there are missing documents or errors on your form, the office will contact you by mail or phone to request corrections.
After approval, you will receive your new commission certificate by mail at the address you provided on your process. The certificate is your official proof that you are a notary public and is valid for four years from the date of issuance. You should keep it in a safe place and bring it with you when you perform notarial acts, as some institutions may ask to see it.
Once you receive your certificate, you are authorized to perform notarial acts when ready. You do not need to take the notary exam again or complete any additional training to reinstate your commission, though you may want to review Florida's notary laws to refresh your knowledge if your commission has been inactive for a long time.
Timeline and processing delays
Processing time for a reinstatement process is typically three to six weeks from the date the Department of State receives your complete process. If you submit by mail, add one to two weeks for postal delivery. If you submit online, processing begins when ready.
Delays can occur if your background check is expired, if your process form has errors or missing information, or if the office is processing a high volume of applications. If you have not heard back within six weeks of submitting your process, you can contact the Department of State to check the status. Have your name and date of birth ready when you call.
Reinstatement after a long lapse
If your commission has been inactive for several years, the reinstatement process is the same, but you should be aware that Florida notary laws may have changed since your commission expired. Before you perform notarial acts, review the current Florida Statutes Chapter 117, which covers notary public duties and requirements. The Department of State website has a summary of notary laws and frequently updated guidance.
You are not required to retake the notary exam to reinstate, even after a long lapse. However, if you feel uncertain about current procedures or changes in the law, you may want to take a refresher course offered by private notary training providers. These courses are optional and not required by the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstate my commission if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, there is no time limit on how long your commission can be inactive before you reinstate it. However, you will need a current background check, which must have been completed within the past year. If your commission has been inactive for several years, you should review current Florida notary laws before performing notarial acts.
Do I have to retake the notary exam to reinstate?
No, you do not need to retake the exam or complete any training to reinstate your commission. The reinstatement process requires only the process form, proof of a current background check, and the fee. However, if your commission has been inactive for a long time, you may want to review current notary laws on your own.
What if my background check expires before I submit my reinstatement process?
Your background check must be current at the time you submit your process. If it expires before you submit, you will need to pay for a new background check from an approved vendor before you can complete your reinstatement process. Plan ahead if your background check is expiring soon.
How much does it cost to reinstate my notary commission?
The reinstatement fee is the same as the renewal fee and covers a four-year commission term. The exact amount is set by the state and can be found on the Florida Department of State's notary page. The background check fee is separate and varies depending on which approved vendor you use.
Can I reinstate my commission online if I don't have a Florida driver's license?
The online portal requires a valid Florida driver's license or ID to log in. If you do not have one, you can submit your reinstatement process by mail instead. Mail your completed form, background check proof, and fee to the address on the Department of State's website.