Resignation and Term Expiration

When a notary's commission ends—whether by resignation, expiration, or revocation—specific procedures must be followed.

Commission Expiration

Your commission expires after 4 years. When it expires:

If you ARE renewing:

• Apply for renewal before expiration
• Complete 3-hour refresher course
• Pass the examination
• Obtain new bond
• File new oath with county clerk
• May continue using existing journal

If you are NOT renewing:

• Stop performing notarial acts on expiration date
• Destroy your notary seal
• Deliver journal to county clerk within 30 days

Resignation

To resign as a notary:

1. Notify the Secretary of State in writing
2. State your effective resignation date
3. Destroy your notary seal
4. Deliver journal to county clerk within 30 days
5. Stop performing notarial acts

Exam Tip: 30 days to deliver journal to county clerk after resignation/expiration (if not renewing).

Seal Destruction

When your commission ends, you MUST destroy your seal:

• Cut or break the rubber stamp
• Deface or break any embosser
• Ensure the seal cannot be reconstructed
• Do NOT give it to anyone else

Journal Disposition

If not renewing:

• Deliver all journals to the county clerk within 30 days
• The clerk retains the journals as public records

If renewing:

• Keep your journals
• Maintain for at least 7 years after last entry

What Happens After Expiration

After your commission expires:

• You have NO authority to notarize
• Performing notarial acts is illegal
• Any notarizations are void
• May result in criminal charges

Table: Commission End Procedures