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National Notary Association
The National Notary Bulletin

Who do I notify when my Notary commission expires?

By NNA Staff on August 11, 2020

My commission will expire soon, and I will not be renewing. Do I need to notify anyone with the state or local government offices? — G.T., Pennsylvania

Yes, you are required to surrender your Notary journals to the office of the recorder of deeds in the county where you last maintained an office.  This must be done within 30 days of the expiration of your commission.

Additionally, you are required to destroy or deface your Notary seal.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

View All: Hotline Tips

23 Comments

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Jane

17 Aug 2020

Can the stamps also be returned with the journals?

National Notary Association

18 Aug 2020

Hello Jane. Rules for disposing of old Notary seals depend on your state's laws. What state are you commissioned in, please?

Lucille "Lucie" Lucio

13 May 2021

My commission has expired on 04/27/21 and I am not renewing my commission. How do I surrender notarial act journals since the Los Angeles Registrar's / County Clerk Offices are closed due to COVID19?

National Notary Association

08 Jun 2021

Hello. You can surrender your journal to the Los Angeles County Recorder’s office by mail. When doing so, please make sure to send it via certified mail with return receipt. The address for the recorder’s office and other requirements can be found at: https://lavote.net/home/county-clerk/notary-public-oath-bond/notary-journal-surrender-search

Mical Wargo

29 Jun 2021

What about if my notary commission expired last year in NY. Can I still renew it? Thank you, Micla

National Notary Association

03 Aug 2021

You would have to reapply to become a Notary. A renewal request must be sent about 3 months prior to the expiration of a Notary commission.

June Hunter

01 Nov 2021

Do I need to surrender my journal and stamp even if I plan to recommission 3 months before the expiration date in Georgia?

National Notary Association

04 Nov 2021

Hello. Georgia does not require Notaries to keep a journal, so state law does not provide guidelines for surrendering a journal to the state. “A notary public whose commission expires and who does not apply for renewal of such commission or whose application for renewal of a commission is denied shall destroy the official notary seal” (OCGA 45-17-18). Revocation or resignation of a commission also requires the Notary to destroy the seal (OCGA 45-17-16 and 45-17-17).

Yvonne Rodriguez

07 Dec 2021

My Notary Commission expired a few years ago, and I would like to renew it, but where could I get my old Commission number to renew it since I don't have it.

National Notary Association

09 Dec 2021

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Dustin Koyamatsu

09 Dec 2021

I got my notary commission before covid I don't know when my notary commission expires. I was deployed in the army for a majority of the time that my notary commission was active. Is there a place I can talk to or get a hold of to find out when my notary commission expires and is there anyone I can speak to about how to turn in my notary commission?

National Notary Association

10 Dec 2021

Hello. Yes, you should speak to your state's Notary regulating office. If you can tell us what state you are commissioned in we can provide you with the appropriate contact information.

Dustin Koyamatsu

10 Dec 2021

I'm in California more specifically Southern California and San Bernardino county this is in regards to my previous question where in I stated that I don't know when my notary commission ends and I would like to find out how or who I can speak to to find out when that happens. I was told to message back with my state and county so that I can be given the contact information that I need to get the information regarding my commission.

National Notary Association

17 Dec 2021

Hello. You can contact the California Secretary of State's Notary Public Section at 1-916-653-3595 to request assistance. If you obtained your commission through the NNA, you may also contact our Customer Care team at services@nationalnotary.org

Gloria Britt

12 Dec 2021

I am trying to update my Notary, starting 2022

Francisco

12 Dec 2021

My commission expires on 01/08/22. I plan to renew a couple of day after it expires. Do I still need to send my journal back? I appreciate your help

National Notary Association

17 Dec 2021

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Arslan Chaudhry

17 Dec 2021

My notary expired today and I want to renew. Can I still renew it even though I am now late? I am in New York City.

National Notary Association

28 Dec 2021

Hello. Yes, but you will not be able to notarize until you receive your new commission.

Denise Levere

26 Jan 2022

I am trying to find out if my notary license are still active, Can you please help.

National Notary Association

28 Jan 2022

Hello. If you obtained your commission through the NNA, please email our Customer Care team at services@nationalnotary.org and they should be able to assist you.

Michelle Mercer

16 May 2022

My Notary expired today in Fayetteville NC. Where do I need to turn my stamp in at.

National Notary Association

18 May 2022

Hello. In North Carolina, a Notary who resigns the commission must notify the Secretary of the date of resignation by fax, email or certified mail, return receipt requested. “Notaries who cease to reside in or maintain a regular place of work or business in this State, or who become permanently unable to perform their notarial duties, shall resign their commissions…” Within 45 days of resignation, Notaries must deliver their seal to the Secretary by certified mail, return receipt requested” (GS 10B-54 and GS 10B-55[a]).

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