How to reinstate your notary license
Reinstating a notary license depends on why it lapsed. If your commission straightforward expired because you didn't renew it on time, you can usually renew it through your state's notary office — the same body that issued it originally. If your license was revoked or suspended by the state, reinstatement is more complicated and may require you to petition the state or meet specific conditions the notary board sets.
The first step is finding out your state's notary office. Most states house this in the Secretary of State's office, though some place it in the Department of State, the Attorney General's office, or a county clerk's office. Your state's website will tell you which agency handles notary commissions and whether reinstatement is possible in your situation.
Key Takeaways
- An expired notary license can usually be renewed through your state's notary office using a standard renewal form and fee, often without retraining.
- A revoked or suspended license requires contacting the notary board to learn what caused the action and what conditions, if any, must be met before reinstatement is possible.
- Some states allow reinstatement by petition; others may require you to reapply as a new notary, including fingerprinting and a background check.
- The cost and timeline vary by state — renewal fees typically range from $50 to $200, and processing takes two to eight weeks.
Reinstatement after expiration versus revocation
An expired commission and a revoked commission are handled differently. Expiration is automatic — your term ended and you did not renew before the important date. Revocation means the state actively cancelled your license, usually because of a complaint, a violation of notary law, or a criminal conviction. Suspension is temporary; revocation is permanent unless the state allows you to petition for reinstatement.
If your license expired, contact your state notary office and ask whether you can renew it directly. Many states allow this without penalty if you renew within a grace period — often 30 to 90 days after expiration. If you are past the grace period, you may still renew, but some states require you to retake the notary exam or complete a training course before they will issue a new commission.
If your license was revoked or suspended, do not assume reinstatement is impossible. Contact the notary board or the office that revoked it and ask what the grounds were and whether reinstatement is an option. Some states allow you to petition for reinstatement after a waiting period or after meeting conditions — for example, completing a course on notary ethics or paying restitution if you harmed someone through notarial misconduct.
Steps to renew an expired notary license
Start by visiting your state's Secretary of State website or notary office page. Look for a renewal form or a "renew your notary commission" link. Most states offer online renewal, though some still require a paper form mailed in. You will typically need to provide your current notary number, your name as it appears on your commission, and proof that you live in the state (or, in some states, that you work there).
Next, pay the renewal fee. This varies widely by state — from $50 in some states to $200 or more in others. Some states charge the same fee for renewal as for a new commission; others offer a discount. A few states require you to pass the notary exam again before renewing, especially if your license has been expired for more than a year. Check your state's rules before you submit your renewal to avoid delays.
After you submit your renewal form and fee, processing typically takes two to eight weeks. Some states issue a temporary notary certificate while you wait for your permanent commission. Once your new commission arrives, you are authorized to perform notarial acts again. Keep your new commission in a safe place — you will need it to show clients and to renew again when the term ends.
What to do if your license was revoked or suspended
Call or email the notary board or the office that revoked your license. Ask for a written explanation of the grounds for revocation and whether reinstatement is possible under your state's law. Some states have a formal petition process; others handle reinstatement requests on a case-by-case basis. The office should tell you what documents you need to submit and what the timeline is.
If reinstatement is possible, the state may require you to meet conditions before your license is restored. Common conditions include completing a notary ethics course, paying a fine or restitution, waiting a set number of years, or submitting letters of reference from employers or community members. If the revocation was based on a criminal conviction, you may need to show that you have completed your sentence and met any probation requirements.
If the state denies your petition for reinstatement, ask whether you can reapply as a new notary after a waiting period. Some states allow this; others do not. If reapplication is an option, you will likely need to retake the notary exam, submit to a background check, and pay the full process fee as if you were a first-time applicant.
Finding your state's notary office
Most states list their notary office on the Secretary of State's website under a section called "Notary Public" or "Notary Services." If you cannot find it there, try searching "[your state] notary commission" or "[your state] notary renewal." Some states have a dedicated notary hotline or email address where you can ask questions about reinstatement.
If your state does not have a centralized notary office, contact your county clerk's office. In some states, notary commissions are issued at the county level, and reinstatement requests go to the county clerk rather than the state. Your county clerk can tell you whether your state handles notary matters at the state or county level.
Costs and timeline for reinstatement
Renewal fees for an expired license typically range from $50 to $200, depending on your state and the length of the new commission term (usually four or six years). Some states charge a flat fee; others charge per year of the commission. A few states offer online renewal at a lower cost than in-person or mail-in renewal.
Processing time varies. Online renewal may be processed in a few days; mail-in renewal usually takes two to eight weeks. If your state requires you to retake the exam before renewing, add the time needed to schedule and take the test — typically one to four weeks. If you are petitioning for reinstatement after revocation, the timeline is longer and less predictable, often ranging from two to six months depending on how busy the notary board is and how complex your case is.
What happens if you perform notarial acts without a valid commission
Notarizing documents without a valid commission is illegal in every state. If you do so, you may face civil liability if someone is harmed by the notarization, criminal charges for unauthorized notarization, and fines. Your state may also sue you to recover the cost of investigating the violation. If you are unsure whether your commission is still valid, contact your state notary office before you perform any notarial acts.
If you have already notarized documents after your commission expired or was revoked, consult a lawyer in your state. Depending on the circumstances and how long ago it happened, you may need to notify the parties involved or take other steps to limit your liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my notary license online?
Most states offer online renewal for expired commissions. Visit your state's Secretary of State website and look for a notary renewal portal. You will need your notary number and a valid payment method. Processing usually takes a few days to two weeks if you renew online.
What if I lost my notary commission certificate?
Contact your state notary office and ask for a duplicate or replacement certificate. You will need to provide your notary number and proof of identity. There is usually a small fee — $10 to $25 — and processing takes one to three weeks. You can continue to perform notarial acts while you wait for the replacement.
Do I have to retake the notary exam to renew an expired license?
Most states do not require you to retake the exam if you renew within a grace period after expiration, usually 30 to 90 days. If you renew after the grace period, some states require the exam; others do not. Check your state's renewal rules before you submit your process.
How long does it take to get reinstated after revocation?
If reinstatement is possible, the timeline depends on your state's process and the complexity of your case. straightforward petitions may be decided in two to three months; complex cases can take six months or longer. Contact the notary board to ask about the expected timeline for your situation.
Can I work as a notary while my reinstatement petition is pending?
No. Once your license is revoked or suspended, you cannot perform notarial acts until it is officially reinstated. Doing so is illegal and can result in criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation from the notary board that your commission has been restored before you notarize any documents.