How do I renew my expired notary?

Asked by: Miss Mozell Schmeler Sr.  |  Last update: July 6, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (6 votes)

What is the process to renew as a Notary Public?
  1. Complete any state-required training or testing.
  2. Fill out and submit a Notary application.
  3. Purchase and file your bond (and take and file your oath, where required)
  4. Take your oath of office.
  5. Receive your commission from the state.

What happens when a notarized document expires?

An expired seal or commission can render the document legally invalid. In most states, the notary public's commission is for a set amount of time that must be renewed before it expires. It's always important to ensure that the notary public is current before continuing with any notarization.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.

How much does it cost to renew your notary license in Texas?

To renew your notary commission in Texas, you must:

1- Purchase a $10,000 Texas notary bond. 2- Complete a notary application no more than ninety days before your current notary commission expires. 3- Pay a $21 state filing fee.

When can a notary submit an application for reappointment?

California and Florida recommend beginning the reappointment process at least 6 months prior to expiration.

Expired Notary Stamp? What should you do?

24 related questions found

How to renew an expired notary?

How to Renew as a California Notary
  1. Complete a 3 hour state-approved California notary training course.
  2. Register for the California notary exam.
  3. Pass the California notary exam.
  4. Submit your fingerprints via Live Scan.
  5. Receive your commission packet.
  6. Purchase a California notary bond, stamp, and journal.

What happens if my notary lapses?

What happens if my Notary commission expires before my new one is ready? First, you will not be able to notarize documents until your new commission takes effect. In most states, the renewal process is similar to -- if not the same as -- what it was for your first commission.

What happens if my notary expires in Texas?

Can I renew my Texas notary after it expires? Yes, but you need to cease notary activity on the day your commission expires and you can't do any notarization until you get your new seal.

What is the most a notary can charge in Texas?

The maximum allowable fees a Texas notary or their employer may charge for notarial acts are as follows:
  • For swearing a witness to a deposition, certificate, seal, and other business connected with taking the deposition: $10.
  • For a notarial act not provided for: $10.

What disqualifies you from being a notary in Texas?

To be commissioned as a notary public in Texas, you must be a Texas resident at least 18 years of age who has not received a final conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony.

What makes a notary invalid?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.

Which of the following offenses cancels a notary application?

The examples include but are not limited to: assault, arson, auto theft, burglary, possession or sale of illegal drugs, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, failure to pay child support or failure to comply with a court order.

What are the downsides of being a notary?

The Cons of Being a Notary
  • Steady income can be difficult.
  • You could be sued for a lot of money.
  • Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.

How long is a notarized document valid in Texas?

An affidavit that has been notarized will not expire, as notarized documents can be considered legally valid indefinitely unless specifically stipulated to the contrary.

How do I find my notary expiration date?

The dates your commission starts and ends are on your official certificate or record.

Is a notary valid without a date?

If there is no date, you can still notarize the signature as you normally would, provided that all other requirements for notarization in your state are met.

How much does a $10000 notary bond cost in Texas?

How much does a $10,000 Texas notary public bond cost? A $10,000 Texas notary public bond costs $50 and can be issued instantly 24/7. Errors and omissions coverage is also available in various amounts depending on the amount of coverage the notary feels is necessary.

What can notaries not charge for?

Some states prohibit their notaries from charging or collecting a fee for notarizing a signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration.

What is the new notary law in Texas?

This new notary law allows a Texas notary to record in their notary journal, the expiration date of an identification card issued by a governmental agency (including a passport issued by the United States) if the signer, grantor, or maker of an instrument or document presents the document to the notary public as ...

Can I renew my notary online in Texas?

Our new SOS Notary Portal has launched!

SOS Portal is the hub for all our new agency online services. You will need an SOS Portal account to access the SOS Notary Portal. You are now be able to: Submit or renew a notary application.

Can I renew my notary online?

Notaries renew their commissions online by following a streamlined process.

What color ink should a notary use in Texas?

What color ink can I use on my notary stamp? Permanent ink must be used when using a rubber stamp type notary stamp; black ink is strongly recommended.

Can you back date a notary?

Backdating a document may seem harmless enough, but under no circumstances should a notary public include a date other than the current date of the signing. Backdating is both unethical and, more importantly, illegal. Including a prior date on the document can come back to haunt notaries later down the road.

How much does the UPS store charge for notary?

For example, here in California, our UPS store charges $15 per notary signature. Where as other states are lower, sometimes even under $10. However if the notary has to come you or travel for any reason to do the job, the notary can charge whatever traveling fee they would like to on top of the charge per signature.

How often do notaries make mistakes?

Notary mistakes and errors increase the number of rejected documents. Most rejected documents contain minor or major notarization mistakes. On average, 30% of notarized documents contain mistakes. But depending on your county and state, this rejection rate can vary.