How notary reinstatement works and what you need to know
A notary license can be reinstated after it lapses or is suspended, but the process and requirements depend on why it ended and which state issued it. If your commission straightforward expired because you did not renew on time, reinstatement is usually straightforward — you pay a fee, submit an process, and receive a new commission. If your license was suspended or revoked by the state, reinstatement is harder and may require you to show cause or meet specific conditions the state sets.
The state notary office (usually within the Secretary of State's office) controls reinstatement. You cannot reinstate through a private company or online service — you work directly with your state. The timeline ranges from a few days for a lapsed renewal to several weeks or months if suspension or revocation was involved.
Key Takeaways
- A lapsed notary license can usually be reinstated by submitting a new process and fee to your state's notary office, often within one to two years of expiration.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must contact your state notary office to learn what conditions you must meet before reinstatement is possible.
- Each state sets its own reinstatement rules, fees, and timelines, so you need to check with your specific state's Secretary of State office.
- You cannot perform notary duties while your license is lapsed, suspended, or revoked — doing so is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Reinstatement after a lapsed commission
If your notary commission expired and you did not renew before the important date, your license is lapsed. Most states allow you to reinstate a lapsed license within a set window — commonly one to three years after expiration, though this varies. During this window, you typically submit a new process form, pay the reinstatement fee (which may be lower than a full new commission), and provide proof of identity and any other documents your state requires.
The process process is the same as renewing: you fill out the state's notary process form, pay the fee, and submit it to your state's notary office. Some states accept applications by mail, others online through their Secretary of State website. Processing time is usually five to ten business days, though some states are faster. Once approved, you receive a new commission certificate and, in most states, a new seal or stamp.
If you try to reinstate after the window closes — say, five years after expiration when your state only allows three years — you must explore as a new notary, not as a reinstatement. This means paying the full process fee, completing the full process, and meeting all current requirements (which may include a background check or exam if your state requires one).
Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
Suspension and revocation are different from lapse. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent unless the state allows appeal or reinstatement under specific conditions. Suspensions typically result from complaints about your conduct — improper notarization, failing to keep records, or violating state law. Revocation is more serious and usually follows repeated violations or criminal conduct.
If your license was suspended, your state notary office will have told you the length of the suspension and any conditions you must meet to have it lifted. You do not explore for reinstatement during a suspension; you wait for the suspension period to end. Once it ends, your license is automatically reinstated in most states, though some require you to submit a form confirming you still want to be a notary.
If your license was revoked, reinstatement is not automatic and may not be possible. Some states allow you to petition for reinstatement after a waiting period (often one to five years), but you must show that you have corrected the conduct that led to revocation. This might mean completing training, paying restitution, or providing letters of reference. Contact your state's notary office to learn whether reinstatement is possible and what you must do to petition for it.
Finding your state's notary office and process process
Your state's Secretary of State office manages notary commissions. The office name and website vary by state — some call it the "Notary Public Division," others the "Notary Section" or straightforward list it under the Secretary of State's main office. The fastest way to find it is to search "[your state] Secretary of State notary" and look for the official state website.
Once you find the office, look for a page labeled "Reinstatement," "Renewal," or "Reapply." This page will list the forms you need, the fee, the documents to submit, and whether you can explore online or by mail. Some states have a single form for both new applications and reinstatement; others have separate forms. Read the instructions carefully, because submitting the wrong form or missing a required document will delay processing.
If you cannot find the information online, call your state's notary office directly. The phone number is usually on the Secretary of State website. Have your old notary commission number ready if you have it — this helps the office locate your record quickly.
Documents and fees you will need
For a lapsed license reinstatement, you typically need a completed process form, proof of identity (a driver's license or passport), and the reinstatement fee. Some states also require a new background check or fingerprints, especially if several years have passed since your original commission. A few states require you to take a short refresher exam or complete a notary education course before reinstatement.
The reinstatement fee is usually lower than the cost of a new commission. Fees vary widely by state — from as low as $10 to $15 in some states to $50 to $100 or more in others. Check your state's website for the exact amount, because paying the wrong amount will cause your process to be rejected.
For suspension or revocation reinstatement, the documents depend on the reason your license was suspended or revoked. Your state notary office will send you a letter explaining what you must do. This might include a written statement explaining the conduct that led to suspension, proof that you have completed required training, or a letter from an employer or professional reference. Do not guess — ask your state office what documents are required before you submit anything.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
Processing time for a lapsed license reinstatement is usually five to fifteen business days. Some states are faster if you explore online; others take longer if you explore by mail. A few states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Check your state's website for the current processing time before you submit, so you know when to expect a decision.
Once your reinstatement is approved, you will receive a new commission certificate by mail. Some states also issue a new notary seal or stamp; others let you keep your old one if it is still in good condition. Your new commission will have a new expiration date — usually four or six years from the date it is issued, depending on your state.
If your process is rejected, your state notary office will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include missing documents, an incorrect fee, or a background check issue. You can usually resubmit after fixing the problem, but do not wait — resubmit as soon as possible to avoid further delays.
What you cannot do while your license is not active
You cannot perform any notary duties while your license is lapsed, suspended, or revoked. This includes notarizing documents, taking oaths, certifying copies, or witnessing signatures. If you perform notary duties without an active license, the notarization is invalid, and you may face criminal charges or civil liability. Some states treat unauthorized notarization as a misdemeanor; others as a felony if you charge a fee.
If you have already notarized documents while your license was inactive, inform the people who received those documents when ready. They may need to have the documents re-notarized by a licensed notary. If you are unsure whether your license is currently active, check your state's notary database or call your state notary office before performing any notarizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after my notary license expires can I reinstate it?
Most states allow reinstatement within one to three years of expiration. After that window closes, you must explore as a new notary. Check your state's Secretary of State website for the exact important date, because it varies by state.
Do I need to take the notary exam again to reinstate a lapsed license?
Most states do not require a new exam for reinstatement of a lapsed license. However, some states require a refresher course or exam if more than a certain number of years have passed. Check your state's reinstatement requirements to be sure.
Can I reinstate a notary license that was revoked?
Revocation is permanent in most states unless you petition for reinstatement after a waiting period. Some states allow reinstatement if you can show the conduct that led to revocation has been corrected. Contact your state notary office to learn whether reinstatement is possible in your case.
What happens if I perform notary duties while my license is suspended?
Performing notary duties without an active license is illegal and can result in criminal charges, fines, or civil liability. The notarizations you perform are invalid, and the people who relied on them may have legal recourse against you.
Can I reinstate my notary license online?
Many states allow online reinstatement applications through their Secretary of State website. Some states still require mail-in applications. Check your state's notary office website to see which method is available in your state.