How do I become a Florida Notary Public?

You will need to complete the application packet and take the required notary education course.  You will find the instructions and required forms here.

How much does it cost to become a Florida Notary Public?

Our package is $89.43.  This includes everything you need including the required course and self-inking stamp.

How do I renew my commission?

You will need to complete the application packet and return it to us.  The State does require that you complete the application in full even though you are a renewal.  You will find the instructions and required forms here.

How much does it cost to renew my Florida Notary Public commission?

Our package is $69.43.  This includes everything you need including your new self-inking notary stamp.

How long does it take to obtain or renew a notary commission?

You will receive your new commission and notary products 5-10 days after we have received your correctly completed paperwork.

What are the requirements to become a Florida Notary Public?

You must be a legal resident of Florida, at least 18 years of age, be able to read, write, and understand the English language, and take a state-approved notary education course.

Does my application have to be notarized?

No, nothing on your application paperwork is notarized.  There is a section titled 'Affidavit of Character'; someone who has known you for more than one year and is not related to you completes this section.  Despite it's title the Affidavit is not notarized.

Can I apply over the phone or on-line?

You cannot apply over the phone.  You can complete most of the application on-line with our interactive forms, but it must be submitted by mail, as the State requires original signatures.

I was a Florida Notary Public many years ago; do I still have to take the course?

By law you are not required to take the course if you previously held a Florida Notary Public commission.  However, we would strongly recommend that you do so as there have been changes in notary law over the past several years.  You can find the course here.

I was a Notary Public in another state; do I still have to take the course?

Yes.  If your previous commission was not in Florida you do have to take the course. This is a requirement of Florida law. 

I’ve changed my name, how do I change it on my commission?

Contact us with your current commission number and name, your new name, and current mailing address.  We will send you the proper paperwork and instructions.  You must be bonded thru Budget Notary Services for us to be able to assist you with this process.

How do I notify you of an address change?

The State requires that all address changes be in writing.  A short note with your old and new addresses is all that is required.  You can e-mail this to us.

How do I decide which Errors & Omissions policy I need?

We advise our customers to consider how often they will be notarizing and the monetary value of the documents they will be notarizing when choosing an Errors & Omissions  policy.  We strongly recommend purchasing Errors & Omissions insurance to all our notaries public.

Can I notarize for a family member?

By law, you cannot notarize for a parent, spouse, or child.  Because a Notary Public should be an impartial witness, we recommend you do not notarize for any family member.

Do I have to keep a record book?

State Law does not require that you keep a record book. However, we strongly recommend that you do so for your own protection.  If a notarization you performed is called into question years later, are you going to remember the details of the transaction?  Most likely you won't.  Keeping a record book can provide evidence of what actually took place with details such as what ID was provided, the date and time, and the signature of the affiant.

Am I allowed to perform a marriage ceremony?

Yes, as long as you are within the boundaries of the State of Florida.  As a Notary Public you are responsible for performing the ceremony and filing the completed license with the appropriate county.  Our marriage kit can supply you with all relevant instructions, sample ceremonies, etc. 

What's the difference between an Oath and an Acknowledgment?

With an Oath, the affiant is swearing to the content of a document.  With an Acknowledgment, the affiant is acknowledging that he/she did sign the document.

Can I perform a marriage ceremony for an immediate family member?

Yes.  Because you are not notarizing a signature, the rule against notarizing for a parent or child does not apply.  A marriage ceremony is the only circumstance where this rule does not apply.

Can I notarize a document if the affiant is not present, but I have a witness willing to swear a notarized oath that they saw the affiant sign the document?

No!  You can never, under any circumstances, perform a notarization if the person for whom you are notarizing is not there.

My employer paid for my notary commission.  Now that I am leaving their employ they want to keep my Seal and Certificate of Commission.  Can they do that?

No!  You are a public official appointed by the Governor.  Your Seal and Certificate are tools of your public office.  They have no legal right to keep these tools from you, and may be guilty of a third-degree misdemeanor if they do.  Never surrender control of your stamp and certificate.

I'm moving to another state.  Can you tell me how to transfer my commission?

You cannot transfer your Florida Notary Public commission to another state.  Notary commissions are specific to individual states and laws can vary widely between states.  If you are moving out of state you must resign your Florida commission and re-apply in your new state.

Can I refuse to notarize?

Yes.  If all of the requirements to perform a proper notarization have not been met, if you question the signer's competence, or suspect they are being coerced, you should refuse to notarize.

If you are uncomfortable with what you are being asked to do, you can refuse.  For example, some religions may frown on one of their members performing a marriage ceremony, or you may be unwilling to notarize a will because of liability concerns.

There may also be limitations set by your employer during office hours, and they would be within their rights to impose them.  Remember, if you are notarizing as part of your job, your employer shares your liability.