Education FAQs

Is training required to become a notary?

The state of Florida requires the completion of at least three hours of notary education for a new notary public, or if you have not taken an education course in 15 years.

The education course covers the duties of a notary public, as well as electronic notarization.

Our education course is approved by the State, and covers the requirement for you. It can be completed at your own pace, for your place within the course will be saved in your profile. Upon completion of the course you can either email, fax or mail your certificate to us. We need proof of completion to accompany your application. Our information can be found on our contact page. 

I was a notary in another state, do I need to take the course?

All first-time Florida applicants are required to complete a state-approved notary education course, even if you have previously been a notary in another state. Visit our Florida Notary Education page to learn more about our online notary course.

I am a renewing notary, but I was one years ago and am just renewing my commission. Do I have to re-take the education course?

It depends on when you were last commissioned and if you were previously commissioned in Florida.

If you were commissioned in Florida within the last 15 years, it is not required you take the education course, again.

We recommend, if you feel you need a refresher, to either take the course, or review your Florida Notary Handbook. The law only requires you to take the education course once every 15 years, but you should also use that as a guideline. If you feel you do not remember every aspect of being a notary public, please take the time to refresh yourself on those areas. Confirm if it's still 15 years.

Technical Assistance FAQ

I completed my application online, can I just print it out and send it in?

You can go into your profile and print your application, yes. Once you print it, you must sign the bottom of it. You can make a copy of it for your records if you wish, but the State of Florida requires the original copy be sent in for their approval. We need the copy that has your original, wet ink signature. We cannot accept a photocopy of the application. 

I shared my email address. Why can't we both log into our own accounts?

What if I entered the wrong name on the Notary application?

Name Address Change FAQ

I'm moving, what should I do with my notary commission?

If you are moving out of state, you need to send in a resignation to the Governor's office. With your signed resignation letter, you need to enclose your certificate. You will also need to destroy your official notary seal.

If you are moving within Florida, you need to update the Department of State, Division of Corporations, of the change within 60 days.

What if I move out of Florida, may I transfer my Notary Commission?

Notary commissions cannot be transferred from state to state. You will first need to resign your current Florida commission by contacting the Governor's office. When you have established your new residence, you may apply for a new notary commission in that state.

What must I do if my name changes?

Florida law gives you 60 days to change your commission. If you are bonded through Troy Fain, please use our Amended Commission Notary Packet. The regular package is $43, which includes the state fees. You will complete the form and payment and mail it to Troy Fain Insurance. Confirm package price.

Do I need a new notary seal or stamp?

What do I do with an old notary stamp?

When your notary stamp is no longer valid, you need to ensure you are properly disposing of your notary materials. This means none of your materials should be usable when you throw them away-- you do not want to toss a seal that can still be used to make an impression.

To ensure an impression cannot be made, we recommend you remove the rubber impression pad from the base of the stamp and cut it into pieces. To be extra secure you can toss the pieces in separate trash bins.

For the embosser, break the die insert into two pieces, or as many pieces as you can. If you cannot break it, file some of the raised portions of the insert so it will not create an impression.

Never throw your old commission information away fully intact, you do not want someone using your information.

Notary Basics FAQs

What is a Notary Public?

What is a notarization?

What duties can a Notary perform?

Can I notarize my own signature?

It is prohibited by Florida law for a notary to notarize his/her own signature. To do so would pose a conflict of interest since you cannot be an impartial witness to yourself.

Can I notarize the documents of my family?

Florida law states that a notary may not notarize for a spouse, child or parent. Although notarizing for any extended family member is not prohibited, you may risk the legitimacy of the document. It is not recommended to notarize a document for any relative.

Can I perform a marriage ceremony for a relative?

Yes, a notary public may perform marriage ceremonies for family members in Florida. The ceremony must take place in Florida and you must be a notary public commissioned in Florida.

Can I notarize documents out of state?

Unfortunately, no you cannot perform a notarial act out of state. You and the signer must physically be present in Florida, even if the documents are intended for use in Florida. Your jurisdiction as a Florida notary only extends to Florida.

That being said, you can perform the notarization in Florida and it would be good in any other state or foreign country, as long as you follow Florida law. Also, be sure the venue reflects you are completing the notarial act in Florida, even if the documents where created elsewhere.

You can find the full explanation of your jurisdiction in the ASN Florida Notary Handbook. 

Can I refuse to notarize?

Yes. If all of the requirements to perform a proper Florida notarization have not been met, if you question the signer's competence, or suspect they are being coerced, you should refuse to notarize.

If you are uncomfortable with what you are being asked to do, you can refuse. For example, some religions may frown on one of their members performing a marriage ceremony, or you may be unwilling to notarize a will because of liability concerns.

There may also be limitations set by your employer during office hours, and they would be within their rights to impose them. Remember, if you are notarizing as part of your job, your employer shares your liability.

Do I need a Notary seal or stamp?

Yes, in order to properly perform your duties as a notary public, you must use a rubber ink-stamp seal containing the following information:

• The words, "Notary Public - State of Florida"
• Your name, exactly as it appears on your commission certificate
• The expiration date of your commission
• Your commission number

Am I required to use a record book?

Florida notary law does not require you use a record book. However, keeping a log of your Florida notarial acts may protect you or provide evidence if a specific notarization is ever questioned at a later date. The risk of liability is enough to consider keeping a record book to provide a lasting and thorough record of your notarial acts. You can order a Florida notary record book from us, which complies with all recommendations of the Governor’s Office.

My record book is complete, do I dispose of it in a specific manner or what do I do with it?

We recommend you keep your record book indefinitely. You never know when the record of previous notarial acts will be needed. If you do not want to keep it forever, we highly recommend you hold on to it for at least 5 years.

And we want to commend you for keeping records even though it is not required in Florida-- we think it's an excellent habit!

I know we can complete a notarization for a minor, but are there any adjustments to the regulations I should follow?

Florida does not stipulate an age limit for completing a notarization for a minor, but they do require you to follow the same standards you would for any other notarization. For instance, the minor must physically be present, proper identification must be presented and you must establish the minor is not being coerced into signing and understands the document. The parent cannot sign for the child.

For full details of how to complete a notarization for a minor, please read our blog. 

Where can I find the laws and rules for being a Notary?

You will find laws regarding Florida Notaries in Chapter 117 of the Florida Statues.

How much may I charge for notarizing a document?

Florida law permits you to charge up to $10 per notarization and up to $30 for marriage ceremonies. You may also charge for mileage or convenience if you are traveling to a customer. Any extra charges need to be outlined and accepted verbally or by written invoice explaining the charges before you notarize the document.