Notary Public Underwriters Blog
Managing Your Notary Commission
- Details
- Published: June 24, 2021
Last updated: September 2026
It's one of the most overlooked responsibilities notaries face after getting commissioned: keeping your information current with the state. Most states require notaries to report specific changes to their commission information. A surety bond agency such as Notary Public Underwriters can help notaries track these requirements and avoid missed deadlines or commission lapses.
Why Notary Commission Reporting Matters
Most states’ notary laws or administrative rules require notaries to report to the Secretary of State (or other designated official who maintains state notary records) whenever certain details on file change.
What Information Must Notaries Report?
While requirements vary by states, it typically includes:
- Your name
- Home address
- Work address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Criminal history, if applicable
- Any change that affects continued eligibility to hold a commission
Additional State-Specific Reporting Requirements
Beyond basic contact information, some state impose additional reporting obligations, such as:
Notary Recordkeeping (Journaling)
States the require notaries to maintain a record book (journal) may also be required reporting how those records are stored.
Lost or Stolen Seal
Some states require notaries to formally report a lost or stolen official stamp or embossing seal.
Electronic or Remote Online Notarization (RON)
States that authorize electronic or remote online notarization typically require notaries to disclose which technology platform(s) they use, and report when they switch or add a new one.
Reporting Requirements Tied to Commission Eligibility
Commission eligibility tied to residency is one of the most commonly overlooked reporting triggers. Resident notaries who move out of state often forget they need to resign their commission. The same is true for non-resident notaries whose eligibility depends on employment within the commissioning state, and that employment ends.
How a Surety Bond Agency Can Help Notaries Stay Compliant
Notaries don't have to manage these reporting obligations alone. Working with a surety bond and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance provider like Notary Public Underwriters means ongoing support that extends well beyond the initial purchase.
Notary Public Underwriters help notaries by:
- Tracking vital commission information and applicable reporting requirements
- Monitoring the pending expiration date of the notary's active commission
- Sending advance notifications before the commission expiration date
- Accepting early commission renewals to prevent last-minute renewal time crunch or accidental lapses
- Sending our periodic emails and blog updates that keep notaries informed of duties--such as commission change reporting--that are so easy to forget
All these benefits make Notary Public Underwriters more than a notary surety bond and E&O insurance provider… they make us your commission management partner. It’s a role we're honored to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all states require notaries to report address or name changes?
Most states require notaries to report changes such as a new name, home address, work address, phone number, or email address, though specific rules and deadlines vary by state.
What happens if a notary moves out of state?
A resident notary who moves out of the commissioning state becomes ineligible to hold that commission and is required to resign it.
Do remote online notaries have extra reporting requirements?
In states that authorize remote online notarization, notaries may need to report which notarization technology platform they use and update that information if they switch providers or add new ones.
What should a notary do if their seal is lost or stolen?
Some states require notaries to formally report a lost or stolen notary stamp or embossing seal to the state's commissioning authority.
Can a surety bond agency help with notary compliance?
Yes. Some surety bond and E&O insurance providers, such as Notary Public Underwriters, offer ongoing support that includes expiration reminders, early renewal processing, and updates about state reporting obligations.
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