Commission Changes, Renewal, and Revocation

A notary commission is not a one-time event — it requires ongoing maintenance, timely renewal, and compliance with reporting obligations throughout its term.

Name Changes During Commission

If your legal name changes during your commission (due to marriage, divorce, or court order):

1. Notify the commissioning authority (Secretary of State) within the timeframe specified by your state (often 30-60 days)
2. Obtain a new seal reflecting your new name
3. Update your journal to reflect the name change
4. Some states may require a new oath or amended commission certificate
5. Destroy the old seal to prevent confusion

Important: Until you receive your updated commission materials, use your original name for notarizations. Do not use your new name until the change is officially processed.

Address Changes

Most states require you to notify the commissioning authority of address changes:

• Update your address within the required timeframe (typically 30-60 days)
• Some states may require updating your seal if it includes a county designation
• Ensure your journal reflects your current address

Commission Renewal

Timeline

• Begin the renewal process well before your commission expires (at least 60-90 days ahead)
• Late renewals may result in a gap in your commission — during which you cannot notarize
• Some states require completing the same steps as an initial application (education, exam, bond)

Renewal Steps (Typical)

1. Complete continuing education (if required by your state)
2. Pass the renewal exam (if required)
3. Submit the renewal application to the commissioning authority
4. Obtain a new surety bond — The old bond expires with the old commission
5. Take a new oath of office (required in most states)
6. File the new oath and bond with the appropriate authority
7. Obtain a new seal showing the updated commission dates

Gap in Commission

If your commission expires before renewal is complete:

• STOP all notarial activities immediately — You are not authorized to notarize
• Do not use your old seal — It is no longer valid
• Resume only after receiving your new commission certificate

Grounds for Revocation

A notary commission may be revoked (terminated before its natural expiration) for:

After Revocation

Upon revocation:

1. Immediately cease all notarial activities
2. Surrender your seal to the commissioning authority (or destroy as directed)
3. Surrender your journal to the designated authority
4. Do not represent yourself as a notary public
5. Cooperate with any investigation

Performing Acts Without a Valid Commission

Performing notarial acts without a valid commission is a criminal offense that may result in:

• Criminal charges (misdemeanor or felony depending on the state)
• Civil liability for damages caused by the unauthorized notarizations
• Permanent bar from future notary commissions
• Documents notarized may be void — causing harm to all parties involved

On the Exam

Commission management questions test:

• Name changes must be reported to the commissioning authority
• Renewal must happen BEFORE the commission expires
• Gap in commission = no notarizing — must wait for new commission
• Revocation grounds include fraud, UPL, criminal conviction, bond lapse
• Performing acts without commission is a criminal offense