The Office of Notary Public FAQs

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Published: January 11, 2020

Florida Notary FAQ

The following  are the most common questions asked by our customers regarding the office of notary public. However, if your question is not listed below, feel free to contact us to receive an answer to your question.

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.

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?

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.

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.