Notary Public Underwriters Blog
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Florida Notary Application Process
- Details
- Published: March 2, 2020
- National
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Notary Application Process |
Is there an age requirement to become a Florida notary public?
How can I apply online to become a Florida notary public?
How to renew Florida notary commission?
How do I take the Florida notary Oath of Office?
How long does the Florida notary public application take?
What address should I mail my completed online Florida notary application to?
I made a mistake on my submitted Florida notary application. How do I correct it?
My legal name is hyphenated with my maiden name and married name, but I am divorced and don't typically use my hyphenated last name. Although my hyphenated last name appears on my driver's license and social security card, am I able to use just my maiden name (without the hyphen) on the Florida notary?
I was told that it would take up to 8 weeks for the Florida Governor’s Office to review my Florida notary application. Is this true?
My Florida notary commission expired. I wish to become a notary again. Can I renew my notary commission or do I need to start a new notary application?
May I be appointed as a Florida notary public if I live in another state?
May I be a Florida notary public if I have a criminal record?
How close to my expiration date should I renew my Florida notary commission?
Does the Florida notary application and notary bond require notarization?
Can I apply for my Florida notary public commission over the phone?
Is there an age requirement to become a Florida notary public?
Yes. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Florida notary public.
How can I apply online to become a Florida notary public?
Notary Public Underwriters makes applying online to become a Florida notary easy! Our online Florida notary application process allows you to customize your notary package and pay online using a credit card. At the end of your order, just print, sign and send your forms to our office for processing. Click here if you are interested in becoming a notary or here if you would like to renew your Florida notary commission.
How to renew Florida notary commission?
Visit our Renew your Florida Notary Commission page to use our quick and simple online Florida notary application process!
Once you have finished the Florida notary renewal application process online, simply print out your completed forms, sign in the indicated areas and send it to our office for processing.
Mail your signed Florida notary forms to:
NOTARY PUBLIC UNDERWRITERS
P.O. Box 5378
Tallahassee, FL 32314-5378
If you have any questions about the Florida notary renewal process, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly Customer Care Team.
How do I take the Florida notary Oath of Office?
The Oath of Office is printed on the Florida notary application form. You take the Oath by signing under the penalties of perjury.
How long does the Florida notary public application take?
The entire process, from the time we receive your complete Florida notary application packet to your products being mailed, should take approximately 5 to 7 business days.
Our online Florida notary application and renewal process makes the paperwork quick and simple. It allows you to customize your new or renewal Florida notary package and even gives you the option to upgrade your state-required seal to a round or mobile version. Visit our Become a Notary or Renew Commission pages today to get the application process started!
If you prefer to pay by check or money order, please visit our Florida Notary Forms page to download the required paperwork to mail in with payment.
What address should I mail my completed online Florida notary application to?
You will mail your Florida notary application and notary bond to:
Notary Public Underwriters,
P.O. Box 5378
Tallahassee, FL 32314
If you are planning to use UPS, FedEx, signature confirmation mail or expedited mail, the physical address is:
5524 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32311
Note: Please send all expedited mail to the physical address. Any expedited mail sent to the P.O. Box may result in delays.
I made a mistake on my submitted Florida notary application. How do I correct it?
If the information you entered is incorrect, you may make the correction on the form directly by making a mark through the incorrect information and providing the correct information. Online applications cannot be changed once the order is placed, but we will make the correction once the application gets to our office.
If the application has already been submitted to our office, you will need to contact our Customer Care Team so we can determine the correct course of action.
My legal name is hyphenated with my maiden name and married name, but I am divorced and don't typically use my hyphenated last name. Although my hyphenated last name appears on my driver's license and social security card, am I able to use just my maiden name (without the hyphen) on the Florida notary?
Unfortunately, your Florida notary commission should be in your official legal name. If you want your notary commission to include just your maiden name, you would legally need to change your name. Whatever name you use on your Florida notary application will be the name your commission is under.
If you have any further questions, please contact our Customer Care Team.
I was told that it would take up to 8 weeks for the Florida Governor’s Office to review my Florida notary application. Is this true?
For special circumstances, such as revoked professional license, disciplinary action and felony convictions, your application must go to the Governor's Office for approval. This may take a minimum of 8 weeks; however, if your application is sent to the Florida Governor's Office without all of the proper documentation, it may result in additional delays.
First time Florida notary applicants: We will submit your Florida notary application to the Secretary of State's office for approval within 24 hours of receiving your completed Florida notary paperwork and education certificate. The current turnaround time for Florida notary applications is approximately 3 days.
Renewing Florida notary applicants: The State will accept your Florida notary renewal application within 4 months of your current expiration date. We will send your application to the State as soon as it is within the filing timeframe. Again, the Secretary of State's office approves within 3 business days.
If you have specific question about your Florida notary application, or would like to check the status, please contact our Customer Care Team.
My Florida notary commission expired. I wish to become a notary again. Can I renew my notary commission or do I need to start a new notary application?
You will be renewing your Florida notary commission. When you choose to renew, you will still be required to fill out a new application; this is required by the state to ensure they have updated, accurate information.
The only difference between a renewing Florida notary and a new Florida notary is that a new notary is required to take a notary education course, while renewing notaries are not required to. If you feel you need a refresher, we encourage you to purchase our Florida notary education course.
Please, visit our Renew Commission page to start the process of renewing your Florida notary commission today.
If you have more questions about the notary application process, please contact our Customer Care Team.
May I be appointed as a Florida notary public if I live in another state?
No. Only a person who is a legal resident of the state of Florida may become a Florida notary public.
May I be a Florida notary public if I have a criminal record?
Maybe. You are required to disclose convicted felony charges in a written statement and submit the related court documents along with your Florida notary application. You must also submit proof that your civil rights have been restored. The Florida Governor’s Office makes decisions about these appointments on an individual basis.
Learn more about the requirements to become a Florida notary public here.
How close to my expiration date should I renew my Florida notary commission?
The Florida Secretary of State will accept applications for renewal approximately four months before your expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten your current term. Be sure to allow plenty of time to complete all the forms and mail them to Notary Public Underwriters prior to expiration. This will ensure you do not have a lapse between commissions. Please see the Renew Commission page for more information.
Does the Florida notary application and notary bond require notarization?
No. Neither the Florida notary application nor the notary bond requires notarization by a notary public. However, you must swear or affirm under the penalties of perjury that all information in the application is correct. By submitting our online application you are confirming this as well.
If you are trying to Become a Florida Notary or Renew Your Florida Notary Commission, try our easy online notary application process that allows you to customize your new or renewal notary package and pay by credit card online.
If you prefer to pay by check or money order, please visit our Florida Notary Forms page to download a notary application and order form to mail with payment.
Can I apply for my Florida notary public commission over the phone?
You cannot apply to be a Florida notary public or renew you Florida notary commission over the phone. You can apply online on our website. Click Become a Notary or Renew Commission to start the online Florida notary application process.
If you don't see your question listed above, please contact our Customer Care Team. We'd love to assist you.
Florida Office of Notary Public
- Details
- Published: February 28, 2020
- National
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The Office of Notary Public |
What is the purpose of a Florida notary public?
Are Florida notaries licensed like other professionals?
How do I become a Florida notary public?
How do I renew my Florida notary commission?
How long is the term of office for a Florida notary public?
What are the qualifications to become a FL notary?
If I move, can I transfer my Florida notary commission?
The Florida notary commission number I had when I became a Florida notary previously is not the same as the notary commission number I received upon renewing my Florida notary commission. Shouldn't the numbers be the same?
Do I need to fill out the employer section of the Florida notary application if I'm not planning to use the Florida notary commission for my job?
I obtained my Florida notary commission through my job, do I need to notify the Secretary of State’s office if I leave my current employer?
How do I contact the Florida Secretary of State?
I've submitted my Florida notary application. Am I a Florida notary now?
Where may I notarize as a Florida Notary Public?
What is the purpose of a Florida notary public?
A Florida notary public is a person of integrity who is appointed to act as an impartial witness to the signing of an important transaction and to perform a notarial act, which validates the transaction. A Florida notary’s primary purpose is to prevent fraud and forgery by requiring the personal presence of the signer and satisfactorily identifying the signer.
Are Florida notaries licensed like other professionals?
No. Notaries are public officers and are appointed and commissioned by the Governor of Florida with the assistance of the Secretary of State.
How do I become a Florida notary public?
You will need to complete the state required Florida notary application, purchase the required notary bond and Florida notary seal, and take the required Florida notary education course. Click 'Become a Notary' to start your Florida notary application today.
How do I renew my Florida notary commission?
You will need to complete the state required Florida notary application, and purchase the required notary bond and Florida notary seal. The State of Florida does require you to complete the application in full and purchase a new bond every 4 years, even though you are a renewal. Click 'Renew your Commission' to start your Florida notary application today.
How long is the term of office for a Florida notary public?
The term of office for a Florida notary public is 4 years.
What are the qualifications to become a FL notary?
— You must be at least 18 years of age or older.
— You must be a legal resident of the State of Florida.
— If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must submit a recorded Declaration of Domicile obtained from the Clerk’s Office in the county where you live.
— You must be able to read, write and understand English.
— First time applicants must take a notary public education course and furnish a signed certificate of completion with the application.
— You must read the Florida notary public laws and sign the Oath of Office.
— If ever convicted of a felony crime, you must provide a written statement of the nature of the offense, a copy of the court judgement and sentencing order and proof your civil rights have been restored.
— You must list any professional licenses or commissions (other than Notary Public) that you’ve held in the state of Florida within the past 10 years. If any have been revoked, you must submit a written statement about the nature of the action and a copy of the Final Order from the regulating agency.
— If you’ve been disciplined by a regulatory agency, including the Florida bar, and including disciplinary action that is confidential, you must submit a written statement about the nature of action and any supporting documentation, such as a copy of the Final Order from the regulating agency.
For more information about the qualifications, the application process or the costs, please review the Become a Notary page.
If I move, can I transfer my Florida notary commission?
You cannot transfer your Florida notary public commission to another state. Notary commissions are specific to individual states, and notary laws can vary widely between states. If you are moving out of state, you must resign your Florida notary commission and re-apply in your new state.
The Florida notary commission number I had when I became a Florida notary previously is not the same as the notary commission number I received upon renewing my Florida notary commission. Shouldn't the numbers be the same?
Florida notary commission numbers are issued per notary commission, not per Florida notary. Therefore, every time you renew your term of office as a Florida Notary Public, you will be issued a new Florida notary commission number for that specified notary term. Once a Florida notary commission expires, so does that coinciding commission number.
Do I need to fill out the employer section of the Florida notary application if I'm not planning to use the Florida notary commission for my job?
As required by Florida law, if you are employed you must provide your business address and business phone number on the Florida notary application. You can read the Florida Statutes 117.01 (2) here.
I obtained my Florida notary commission through my job, do I need to notify the Secretary of State’s office if I leave my current employer?
Yes, you do. According to Florida law, you must provide notification of any changes to your business address or business phone number, as well as your home address or home phone, within 60 days of the change. You will find the appropriate form here. It should be submitted to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or you may mail it to:
Notary Public Underwriters, Inc.
P.O. Box 5378
Tallahassee, FL 32314
We will forward your changes to the Secretary of State’s office for you.
How do I contact the Florida Secretary of State's office?
You can reach the Florida Secretary of State by telephone at 850.245.6975.
I've submitted my Florida notary application. Am I a Florida notary now?
No. Only the Florida Secretary of State's office can make you an official Florida notary public. As your notary bonding agency, we handle your Florida notary application and manufacture your notary supplies once you are commissioned by the Florida Secretary of State's office.
Where may I notarize as a Florida Notary Public?
You may perform official acts anywhere within the state of Florida. However, you have no authority to act outside the state.
If you don't see your question listed above, please contact our Customer Care Team. We'd love to assist you.
Billing and Payment
- Details
- Published: February 26, 2020
- National
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Billing and Payment |
I work for a nonprofit. If I include a copy of our tax exempt form, is it okay for me not to include the tax?
How do I print my receipt of payment?
Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?
How do I pay for my notary commission?
How do I pay for my notary supplies?
Am I able to track my order?
May I pay extra for express delivery?
May I cancel or change my order?
Can I get a refund?
I prefer to pay by check. How do I submit my notary application with a check for payment?
What do you charge for shipping?
My employer paid for my notary commission and/or supplies, can they keep them?
I received my notary stamp in the mail today, however there was not a certificate or any other documents with the stamp, am I able to start notarizing documents now?
What information do I need to submit in order to get my notary stamp?
I work for a nonprofit. If I include a copy of our tax exempt form, is it okay for me not to include the tax?
Yes. If you are tax exempt, and you are mailing us your notary application packet with payment, please remove tax and include a copy of your tax exempt form. If you are placing your order online, you may be asked your tax exempt number in the checkout process. The tax will automatically deduct from your order when providing that number online. When you send your application forms or proof of commission to our office, please include a copy of your tax exempt certificate.
How do I print my receipt of payment?
Once you have completed your order, you will receive an email of the receipt from Notary Public Underwriters. Additionally, you have the option to print the receipt on your order confirmation page.
Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?
Yes. If you are considering purchasing a large quantity of notary products at once, please contact our Customer Care Team for pricing.
How do I pay for my notary commission?
Notary Public Underwriters accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit/debit cards online. We accept check and money orders by mail.
How do I pay for my notary supplies?
Notary Public Underwriters accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit/debit cards online. We accept check and money orders by mail.
Am I able to track my order?
You may track your order status by logging into your account and clicking 'Notary Application', or by contacting our Customer Care Team for more details. We will show the status of your order from the time it is processed to the time it has shipped.
May I pay extra for express delivery?
This will depend on where we are in the process of your order. Please contact our Customer Care Team to discuss your options.
May I cancel or change my order?
This will depend on your current order status. We try to process all orders as fast as we can. If you think you have made a mistake with your order, please contact our Customer Care Team as quickly as possible.
Can I get a refund?
If you are not happy with your order, please contact our Customer Care Team to determine if you qualify for a refund. We want to make sure you are satisfied. Once we understand the problem, we can determine your options.
IMPORTANT: If we cannot process your order within 12 months due to lack of required information from you, we are no longer obligated to fulfill your order and your payment will become non-refundable. Of course, we will attempt to contact you multiple times during that 12 months to obtain the required information.
Notary Public Underwriters’ stamps, seals and embossers are replacement guaranteed for your commission term. Personalized items are only eligible for refund if the item included a manufacturing error or was damaged upon receipt. If non-personalized items are returned in original condition, we will issue a 100% refund minus shipping. For online notary education courses, a refund will be issued if course progress is not beyond lesson 1. For signing agent training courses, a refund will be issued if course progress is not beyond lesson 2. For Errors & Omissions Insurance, you will receive a refund if you cancel the policy within 30 days of activation.
I prefer to pay by check. How do I submit my notary application with a check for payment?
If you do not wish to complete the notary application online and/or pay by credit card, you can submit your notary application and payment by mail. Please select the Notary Forms link at the top of our website. Once there, select the New or Renewal Application Packet. You can print and complete your notary application and mail it to us along with your check.
What do you charge for shipping?
We charge a $7.00 shipping and handling fee.
My employer paid for my notary commission and/or supplies, can they keep them?
No! You are a public official appointed by the Governor. Your seal and certificate are tools of your public office. Even if your employer purchased your notary supplies, they have no legal right to keep these tools from you, and are violating state law if they do. Never surrender control of your notary stamp and certificate.
I received my notary stamp in the mail today, however there was not a certificate or any other documents with the stamp, am I able to start notarizing documents now?
Depending on your state, your notary stamp and notary certificate may be mailed out separately, please allow up to 2 additional weeks for delivery.
Even if you did not receive your commission certificate, you are able to notarize documents. However, you should contact our Customer Care Team to check the status of your certificate, if it does not arrive as scheduled.
What information do I need to submit in order to get my notary stamp?
Notary stamps require commission verification before they are manufactured. We custom make your notary stamp with the information shown on your commission paperwork. If you are currently bonded though Notary Public Underwriters, Inc., we have your notary information on file. If you are new to us, welcome! We need a copy of your notary commission certificate before we can process your order. Please send a copy of your commission certificate to our Customer Care Team.
If you don't see your question listed above, please contact our Customer Care Team. We'd love to assist you.
Shipping
- Details
- Published: February 27, 2020
- National
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Shipping |
What should I do if my order has not shown up on time?
When can I expect to receive my notary supplies?
I have a notary commission number. When will my notary stamp ship?
It has been a while since I ordered my stamp or embosser. Where is it?
How will my order ship?
Is it possible to send my notary application by FedEx overnight?
Where do I send certified or overnight mail?
What should I do if my order has not shown up on time?
Please contact our Customer Care Team so we can assist you with your order.
When can I expect to receive my notary supplies?
You can expect to receive your notary supplies within 5 to 7 business days after we receive notification of commission. However, please allow up to 12 business days for any carrier delays.
I have a notary commission number. When will my notary stamp ship?
We manufacture your notary stamp as soon as we receive confirmation of your notary commission. Your notary stamp, along with any other products ordered, will be shipped within 3 business days of confirmation. All products are shipped via USPS.
It has been a while since I ordered my stamp or embosser. Where is it?
We may require additional information prior to manufacturing your notary stamp or embosser. Please verify you have submitted a copy of your notary commission certificate to us. Once we receive the required information, your seal will be shipped within 3 business days. You can check the status of your order by contacting our Customer Care Team.
How will my order ship?
When we receive confirmation of your notary commission, we will manufacture your notary stamp, which will be shipped with any other products ordered, within 3 business days via USPS. If you are ordering products only, they will be manufactured and shipped within 3 business days.
Is it possible to send my notary application by FedEx overnight?
Yes, you can overnight your notary application directly to our office. The address is Notary Public Underwriters, Inc., 5524 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32311. To eliminate delays in processing, please be sure to include all properly completed paperwork.
Where do I send certified or overnight mail?
Please send certified or overnight mail directly to our office. The address is Notary Public Underwriters, Inc., 5524 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32311. Please be sure to include all the completed documents necessary to avoid delays in processing.
If you don't see your question listed above, please contact our Customer Care Team. We'd love to assist you.
Information Security
- Details
- Published: February 26, 2020
- National
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Information Security |
Will you share my contact information with others?
Do you keep my information?
How secure is my payment?
Will you share my contact information with others?
Absolutely not. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.
Do you keep my information?
We do save some of your information, such as your name, email, address and order number. We do NOT store your payment details. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.
How secure is my payment?
Security is Notary Public Underwriters’ highest priority. We use the most up-to-date safeguards for the application and payment process. In addition, we do not store any of your payment details.
If you don't see your question listed above, please contact our Customer Care Team. We'd love to assist you.
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