Florida Notary Public Updates
What are the requirements to renew as a notary?
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a legal resident of Florida
- Must be able to read, write and comprehend the English language
- Must read the notary public laws
Furthermore, if you are not a U.S. citizen, you must provide a recorded Declaration of Domicile, which can be obtained from your county Clerk's office. If you have been convicted of a felony, you must have your civil rights restored in order to become a notary. You must report any criminal charges, whether or not convicted on your notary application.
How do I renew my Florida notary commission?
Renewing your notary commission is easy with Troy Fain Insurance. If you still meet the requirements to be a notary and read the Notary Public laws, Troy Fain Insurance can supply you with the notary application, bond and supplies though our online application process. Simply answer the questions, customize your notary package and complete payment. Make sure you print, sign and mail your completed forms to Troy Fain Insurance. We'll take care of the rest!
How can I avoid delays in processing?
- Complete the Notary Public Commission Application entirely-leave no blank spaces.
- If the question does not apply to you may write “none.”
- Race, Sex, Social, Date of Birth and Driver’s license are all required.
- Answer questions 1-7.
- If you answer “NO” to questions 2 or 3, or "YES" to questions 4,5, 6 or 7, you must provide documentation or information specified in that question. Failure to provide all the documentation needed will result in delays.
- The Affidavit of Character section must be completed by someone you have known a year or more that is not related to you. It must be signed at the BLUE X and the address of your affiant/character witness must be completed. This section does NOT need to be notarized.
- You must sign and print your name at the RED X on the Oath of Office section, exactly as outlined and as you want your notary seal to be issued.
- If you are exempt from having your address available to the public, you may select “YES” and reference the statute in which your exemption falls under. If you do not know the statute that applies to you, please contact The Office of the Attorney General.
- You must sign and print your name at the RED X on the Bond of Notary Public Form. We will complete the rest once it arrives in our office. This form does NOT need to be notarized.
- If you are a new applicant in the State of Florida, you must submit a state-approved class completion certificate with your application.
- Payment must be made in full for your notary bond, state filing fee and any other desired notary supplies.
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Please be sure to provide an email address, so that we can contact you if corrections are needed on your application and about the status of your order.
How long does a notary commission last?
In the state of Florida, your notary commission term is 4 years.
Does placing an order make me a notary?
No, you must complete and submit all required documentation to your bonding company for review and electronic transmittal to the State of Florida. Only the commissioning authority can issue a notary commission. The Florida Governor's Office, Notary Section, and the Florida Secretary of State's Office, Notary Commissions and Certifications Section, handle the commissioning process in the state of Florida.
Can I become a notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, you may apply for a Florida notary commission; however, at the time of application, you must also submit a recorded Declaration of Domicile. You can receive this document from your county clerk's office.
How long does it take to become a Florida notary public?
Upon receiving your completed paperwork, Troy Fain Insurance will hand-deliver your application to the State of Florida. The Secretary of State's commission process takes approximately three business days for most applications.* Once we receive your commission information from the state, your certificate and products will be mailed within three business days.
*Applicants that have been convicted of a felony or had an adjudication of guilt withheld for a felony offense, disciplined by a regulatory agency, or had a professional license revoked must have their application formally reviewed by the Governor’s office to determine the eligibility to become a notary public. Since the reviews are performed on an individual basis, approval times may vary.
If I live in another state but work in Florida, can I become a notary in Florida?
No, you must be a legal resident of Florida to become a notary.
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 Notary Education Course covers the duties of a notary public, as well as electronic notarization.
Our education course is approved by the State, and can be completed at your own pace. Upon completion of the course, print course certificate and email, fax or mail it to us. We need proof of completion to accompany your application. Our information can be found on our contact page.
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