What you need to do to get your notary license back

Reinstating a notary license means going through your state's notary program again, but usually with fewer steps than the original appointment. You will need to contact your state's notary authority — typically the Secretary of State's office — to find out whether your license can be reinstated or whether you must reapply from the beginning. The path depends on how long your license has been expired, whether your state allows reinstatement at all, and whether you meet current background and training requirements.

Most states allow reinstatement if your license expired within the last one to three years and you have no disqualifying criminal history or disciplinary record. Some states treat reinstatement as a separate, faster process; others require you to submit a new process. A few states do not offer reinstatement and require you to start over completely. The cost and timeline vary by state, but reinstatement is usually cheaper and faster than a new appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's Secretary of State office to learn whether reinstatement is available and what your state's time limit is for expired licenses.
  • You will likely need to pass a background check again and may need to complete a notary education course or exam, depending on your state's rules.
  • Reinstatement fees are typically lower than new appointment fees and range from $25 to $150, though this varies by state.
  • The reinstatement process usually takes two to six weeks from the time you submit your paperwork, depending on how quickly your state processes applications.
  • If your license expired more than three years ago, your state may require you to reapply as a new notary rather than reinstate.

How to learn about your state allows reinstatement

Your first step is to contact your state's Secretary of State office directly — either by phone, email, or through their website. Search "[your state] Secretary of State notary reinstatement" to find the right office and the correct contact method. Tell them your license number (if you have it) and the expiration date, and ask whether reinstatement is an option for you.

Some states post reinstatement rules on their notary pages; others only explain them when you call. If you cannot reach the Secretary of State by phone, many states have online notary portals where you can check your license status and see what options are available. Write down the name of the person you speak with and the date of the call, in case you need to follow up later.

Documents and requirements for reinstatement

Most states require the same background check for reinstatement as they do for new appointments. You will typically need to provide proof of identity (a valid driver's license or passport), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and consent to a criminal background check. Some states also require a Social Security number verification.

Beyond the background check, requirements vary. Many states require you to pass the notary exam again or complete a notary education course before reinstatement is approved. A few states waive the exam if you are reinstating within a short window (usually one to two years). Ask your Secretary of State office whether you must take the exam or course, and whether you can do it online or must attend in person. Some states offer free or low-cost online courses; others direct you to third-party providers.

The reinstatement process and fees

Once you know reinstatement is available, you will submit a reinstatement process to your state. This is usually a shorter form than a new notary process — it may ask for your previous license number, the reason your license expired, and confirmation that you still meet the state's requirements (usually age 18 or older, a resident of the state, and no felony convictions). Some states let you submit the process online; others require you to mail or deliver it in person.

Reinstatement fees are typically $25 to $150, depending on the state and the length of the new commission (usually two to four years). This is usually less than the cost of a new appointment. Some states charge a separate exam fee if you must retake the notary test. Ask whether your state accepts payment by credit card, check, or money order, and whether you can pay online or must pay by mail.

Timeline: how long reinstatement takes

The reinstatement process usually takes two to six weeks from the time your state receives your completed process. This timeline assumes your background check clears without delay and you have already passed any required exam or course. If you must take an exam or course first, add one to four weeks to that timeline, depending on how quickly your state schedules testing and how long the course takes.

Some states issue a temporary notary certificate while your reinstatement is being processed, which allows you to work as a notary when ready. Others do not issue anything until your reinstatement is final. Ask your Secretary of State office whether a temporary certificate is available and how to request one. Once your reinstatement is approved, your state will issue a new commission certificate, usually by mail.

What to do if reinstatement is not available

If your state does not offer reinstatement, or if your license expired too long ago to be reinstated, you will need to reapply as a new notary. This means submitting a new process, paying the full new-appointment fee, and passing the notary exam (if your state requires one). The process is the same as if you were becoming a notary for the first time, though you may be able to skip some steps if your state recognizes your previous experience.

Contact your Secretary of State office to ask whether any credit is given for your previous service as a notary, or whether you must start completely from scratch. Some states offer a reduced fee or waived exam for people who held a notary license previously; most do not. If reapplying is your only option, budget for the full cost and timeline of a new appointment.

Common mistakes to avoid during reinstatement

The most common mistake is waiting too long to reinstate. Many states have a time limit — usually one to three years after expiration — after which reinstatement is no longer available. If you are close to that important date, submit your reinstatement request as soon as possible. Do not assume you can reinstate just because your license expired recently; confirm the important date with your state first.

Another mistake is submitting incomplete paperwork. Double-check that you have included all required documents — proof of identity, proof of residency, the completed process form, and payment — before you mail or submit your process. Missing documents will delay your reinstatement by weeks. If you are unsure what to include, call your Secretary of State office and ask for a checklist before you submit anything.

A third mistake is not planning for the exam or course requirement. If your state requires you to pass the notary exam again, do not assume you will remember the material from your previous appointment. Most states' exams cover the same topics, but rules and laws change. Budget time to study or take a refresher course, and schedule your exam early so that delays do not push back your reinstatement date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a notary while my reinstatement is being processed?

Only if your state issues a temporary certificate. Some states do; most do not. Ask your Secretary of State office whether a temporary certificate is available and whether you must request it separately. If your state does not offer one, you cannot legally notarize documents until your reinstatement is final and your new commission certificate arrives.

Do I have to retake the notary exam to reinstate?

It depends on your state and how long your license has been expired. Some states waive the exam for reinstatement if your license expired within one or two years. Others require the exam every time. Ask your Secretary of State office whether the exam is required for your reinstatement, and whether you can take it online or must go in person.

What if I have a criminal record — can I still reinstate?

Most states disqualify people with felony convictions from being a notary. Misdemeanors are usually allowed, but it depends on the crime and how long ago it occurred. Contact your Secretary of State office and disclose your record honestly. They will tell you whether you are disqualified or whether your reinstatement can proceed.

How much does notary reinstatement cost?

Reinstatement fees typically range from $25 to $150, depending on your state and the length of your new commission. This is usually less than a new appointment. Some states charge a separate exam fee if you must retake the test. Check your state's Secretary of State website or call to confirm the exact fee before you submit your process.

What if my state lost my records or cannot find my previous license?

If your state cannot locate your previous license, ask whether you can reapply as a new notary instead of reinstate. Some states will waive the exam or reduce the fee if you can prove you held a license previously (bring old commission certificates, business cards, or other documentation). If you cannot prove your previous service, you will likely have to pay the full new-appointment fee and follow the standard process process.