Notary Public Underwriters Blog
Ch-Ch-Changing: Why It’s Important to Keep Your Notary Information Current
- Details
- Published: January 27, 2025
Many life events can happen within your notary commission’s term of office. Standard commission terms are usually four years. However, Idaho notaries are commissioned for six years, Indiana notaries have an eight-year term, and Arkansas notaries have a ten-year term. Within that amount of time, you are likely to experience a change of address, a change of employment, or even a name change.
Keeping your contact information up to date with your state’s commissioning office and notary bond agent (in states requiring notary bonds) is critical and, in most states, required by law. For example, Florida notaries who have a name change are required to notify the Florida Department of State within 60 days of the change. Failure to report a name change may result in the suspension of your notary license.
Texas notaries must notify the Texas Secretary of State’s Office within 10 days of an address change. Failure to report a change of address may result in the revocation of your notary commission. A change of name and/or a change of address that results in a change of county in the state of Illinois requires the notary to resign their current commission and reapply.
As you can see, each state has different requirements when it comes to a change in information. It is important for you to know what your state’s requirements are and adhere to them to avoid any penalties.
Questions about your state?
Contact Notary Public Underwriters at 800-821-0831.
Related Article(s)
How to Complete a Notarial Certificate
Can I Notarize a Document That Is Already Signed?
What to Do When the Notary Certificate Is Missing?
What Should I Do When There's No Room for My Notary Stamp?
Does a Notary Need to See the Entire Document When Notarizing?
Can a Notary Perform a Single Verbal Ceremony for Multiple Notarizations?
Notary FAQs: Essential Answers for Everyday Scenarios
Can a Notary Notarize a Family Member's Signature?
When Can a Notary Use Personal Knowledge to Identify a Signer?
Can a Notary Change a Document’s Date?
Can I Notarize a Document in a Language I Don’t Understand?