How long is Florida notary good for?

Asked by: Prof. Derek Hill V  |  Last update: July 13, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (22 votes)

How long will my Florida Notary Commission last? Your Florida Notary Commission will be valid for four years.

How long is a notarized document valid in Florida?

In summary, notarized documents do not expire and remain valid indefinitely unless there are specific laws or regulations that require them to be updated or renewed. It is important to understand your local laws in order to ensure that all documents remain up-to-date and legally binding.

Do all notaries have an expiration date?

Notaries usually have an expiration date on their commission. It is the responsibility of the notary to make sure that their commission is still valid. As long as their commission has not expired, then all documents they notarize should be valid as well.

What happens if my Florida notary expires?

To renew your commission, you must reapply through a notary bonding agency. You will need to purchase a new stamp with the new expiration date as well as another four-year $7,500 surety bond. The bond is required, as it protects the public should you make a mistake.

Are Florida notaries required to keep a log?

Am I required by law to maintain a notary journal in Florida? No, a notary public in the State of Florida is not required to maintain a notary journal.

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41 related questions found

How long is a Florida notary license good for?

How long will my Florida Notary Commission last? Your Florida Notary Commission will be valid for four years.

Can I notarize a document without the person present in Florida?

The document signer must be present and competent to execute the document. The signer must be personally known to you or produce appropriate identification.

What makes a notarized document 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.

How much does it cost to renew your notary?

Depending on the state, the Notary renewal cost can be less than $100 or up to a few hundred dollars. The total amount will be close to what you paid to get your first commission.

What color ink should a notary use in Florida?

Black ink is generally recommend when ordering a Florida notary stamp. There are only a few states that require a non-black ink (including Tennessee and Utah). Click here to order a notary stamp.

What happens if a notary makes a mistake?

What happens if a notary makes a mistake? The National Notary Association suggests that even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences. The notarized document could get rejected. A mistake that results in a rejection can result in late fees and penalties on the part of the client.

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.

Does a notary ever expire?

In California and Texas, this is four years, at which point the notary must renew his or her commission with the Secretary of State. Just because the commission seal date has expired, however, doesn't mean the notarized document is invalid.

Can I use my Florida notary in another state?

Your jurisdiction as a Florida notary only extends to Florida. That being said, you can perform a notarization in Florida and it would be valid in any other state or foreign country, so long as you followed Florida law at the time of the notarization.

What is the maximum charge for a notary in Florida?

The state of Florida allows you to charge a maximum fee of $10.00 per notary act. You may charge $30.00 to perform a marriage ceremony in Florida. If you charge a higher fee than prescribed by law, the Governor may suspend your commission. Florida law does not address miscellaneous travel fees for notarial acts.

What makes a notarized document invalid in Florida?

A notarized document can become invalid due to clerical errors, missing signatures, or improper notary procedures. Mistakes like failing to verify the signer's identity with a government-issued ID, inaccuracies in critical details, or missing signatures can compromise a document's integrity.

Can you notarize a signature without the person present?

To notarize a document, the signers must be present at the time of notarization. While you can notarize an acknowledgment document that has been previously signed in some cases, the signer must still be present at the time of notarization to confirm the validity of their signature.

Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?

No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?

Does a notarized document expire in Florida?

The notarization of any document does not expire itself. This means there is no such rule that states that a specific notary stamp expires and will not be acceptable after a certain date.

Can I renew my Florida notary after it expires?

To renew your notary commission in Florida, you must:

1- Complete and submit a Florida notary application within six months of your notary commission expiration date. 2- Purchase a four-year, $7,500 Florida notary bond. 3- Pay a $39 state filing fee. 4- Purchase a new Florida notary stamp.

What is the most I can charge for a notary?

Notarization fees are regulated by California state law and are generally low-cost. So how much does a notary charge? In most cases, a California notary public may charge a maximum notary fee of $15 for each signature. This includes writing the certificate, affixing the notary stamp, and acknowledging the signature.

Can a Florida notary notarize remotely?

Additionally, 1N-7001, Florida Administrative Code outlines the duties and responsibilities of online notaries as well as the procedures for applying. This law authorizes Florida notaries to perform online remote notarizations after the completion of an application and training requirements.

When must a notary use blue or black ink?

In some jurisdictions, the use of blue ink on notarized documents may be required by law or regulation. In California, some types of real estate documents, such as deeds and mortgages, must be signed in blue ink to be considered valid. Also, the use of blue ink can help to prevent fraud or forgery.

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.