What you need to do to reinstate a lapsed Florida notary commission

If your Florida notary commission has expired and you want to restore it, you do not have to start from scratch. Florida allows you to reinstate a lapsed commission through a streamlined process that costs less and takes less time than explore for a new one. The reinstatement window is limited — you have two years from the expiration date to reinstate without reapplying as a new notary.

After two years, your commission is considered abandoned, and you must complete a full new process through the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. The reinstatement route requires you to submit specific documents to the same division, pay a reinstatement fee, and meet the same background check requirements as a new applicant.

Key Takeaways

  • You can reinstate a lapsed Florida notary commission within two years of expiration by submitting a reinstatement process to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
  • The reinstatement fee is lower than the cost of a new commission process, and you do not need to retake the notary exam if you reinstate within the two-year window.
  • You must provide a completed reinstatement process form, proof of a surety bond, and pass a background check, just as you would for a new process.
  • After two years from expiration, reinstatement is no longer an option, and you must file a new process instead.

The two-year reinstatement window and what happens after

Florida gives you exactly two years from your commission expiration date to file for reinstatement. This window is strict — the day after two years passes, your commission is considered abandoned, and you lose the reinstatement option permanently.

If you miss the two-year important date, you must start over with a new notary process. This means retaking the notary exam, paying the full process fee, and going through the entire approval process again. The reinstatement route exists specifically to avoid this burden if you act within the window.

Check your commission expiration date on your current or expired notary certificate. If you are unsure, you can search the Florida notary database on the Department of State website using your name or commission number. This search also tells you whether your commission is currently active, expired, or abandoned.

Documents and forms required for reinstatement

The Florida Department of State requires you to submit a Notary Public Reinstatement process (Form NP-1). You can read this form from the Division of Corporations website or request it by mail. The form asks for your personal information, current address, and your original commission number.

You must also provide proof of a notary surety bond in the amount of $7,500. This is the same bond requirement as for a new notary commission. The bond must be issued by a Florida-licensed surety company and must name the State of Florida as the obligee. If your previous bond has expired, you will need to obtain a new one before submitting your reinstatement process. Many surety companies can issue a bond within one business day if you explore online.

You will need to include a background check authorization as part of your process. Florida requires a Level 2 background screening, which includes fingerprinting. You can complete fingerprinting at any authorized location in Florida, including many sheriff's offices and private fingerprinting services. The cost of fingerprinting varies by location but typically ranges from $15 to $50.

Fees and processing timeline for reinstatement

The reinstatement fee for a Florida notary commission is $75. This is significantly less than the $105 fee for a new notary process. You pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement process to the Division of Corporations.

Processing time for reinstatement applications typically takes four to six weeks from the date the Division receives your complete process. This timeline assumes your background check clears without issues and your surety bond is valid. If the Division requests additional information or if your background check requires review, processing may take longer.

You can submit your reinstatement process by mail to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, or by hand delivery to their office in Tallahassee. The Division does not currently accept online reinstatement applications, so you must use mail or in-person delivery. Include a cover letter with your process stating that you are requesting reinstatement of a lapsed commission and include your original commission number.

Background check requirements and what disqualifies you

Florida requires all notary reinstatement applicants to pass a Level 2 background screening. This screening includes a criminal history check, a sex offender registry check, and a review of your driving record. The background check is conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and typically takes two to three weeks to complete.

Certain criminal convictions will disqualify you from reinstatement. Florida law prohibits notary commissions for anyone convicted of a felony involving dishonesty, fraud, or moral turpitude. Convictions related to forgery, identity theft, or falsifying documents are automatic disqualifiers. Misdemeanor convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but the Division reviews each case individually.

If you have been convicted of a crime since your commission expired, disclose it on your reinstatement process. Failing to disclose a conviction, even if you believe it will not disqualify you, can result in your process being denied and may prevent you from reapplying in the future.

Surety bond requirements and how to obtain one

A notary surety bond is a contract between you, a surety company, and the State of Florida. The bond guarantees that you will perform your notary duties correctly and honestly. If someone sues you for notary misconduct and wins, the surety company pays the judgment up to the bond limit of $7,500. You are responsible for any amount above $7,500.

To obtain a surety bond, contact a Florida-licensed surety company. Many companies specialize in notary bonds and can issue them quickly. You will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and the amount of the bond ($7,500). Some companies require a credit check, and most charge a premium based on your credit score and the bond amount. Notary bond premiums typically range from $50 to $150 per year, depending on the surety company.

The surety bond must be valid on the date you submit your reinstatement process. If your bond expires before the Division approves your reinstatement, you will need to renew it or obtain a new one. Keep your bond documentation with your process materials so you can provide it when ready if the Division requests proof.

Submitting your reinstatement process to the Division of Corporations

Gather all required documents before you submit: the completed Notary Public Reinstatement process form, proof of your surety bond, your fingerprint card or background check authorization, and your $75 reinstatement fee. Double-check that all information on the form matches your identification documents exactly — mismatched names or addresses can delay processing.

Mail your process package to: Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314. Include a cover letter stating your request for reinstatement and your original commission number. You can also hand-deliver your process to the Division's office at 409 E. Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

If you mail your process, send it via a method that provides tracking, such as certified mail or a carrier with delivery confirmation. Keep copies of everything you submit. Once the Division receives your process, you will receive a confirmation letter with a case number. Use this number to check the status of your reinstatement request on the Division's website or by calling their office.

What happens after approval and how to receive your new commission

When the Division approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new notary commission certificate by mail. This certificate is valid for four years from the date of approval. Your new commission number may be different from your original number, so update any records you maintain with the new number.

Once you receive your new certificate, you must obtain a new notary seal and journal if you do not already have them. Your old seal from your previous commission is no longer valid. You can order a notary seal from any Florida-licensed notary seal vendor — these are widely available online and in office supply stores. The seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," "State of Florida," and your commission number.

Your reinstatement is now complete, and you can resume performing notary duties. Remember that your new commission expires four years from the approval date. Mark this date on your calendar so you can renew your commission before it expires and avoid the need to reinstate again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my commission if it expired more than two years ago?

No. Once two years have passed from your expiration date, your commission is considered abandoned, and reinstatement is no longer an option. You must file a new notary process, which includes retaking the exam and paying the full process fee. Check your expiration date carefully — if you are close to the two-year mark, reinstate when ready.

Do I have to retake the notary exam to reinstate?

No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the exam. You only need to submit the reinstatement process, surety bond, and pass the background check. This is one of the main advantages of reinstatement over explore for a new commission.

What if my background check shows a minor criminal issue?

The Division reviews each case individually. Misdemeanor convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but felonies involving dishonesty, fraud, or moral turpitude do. Disclose any criminal history on your process — the Division will investigate, and hiding information can result in denial and prevent future applications.

How long does reinstatement take from start to finish?

The entire process typically takes six to ten weeks. This includes time to obtain your surety bond (one to five business days), submit your process, complete the background check (two to three weeks), and receive Division approval (four to six weeks). The timeline varies depending on how quickly you gather documents and whether your background check requires additional review.

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

No. You cannot perform notary duties with an expired or lapsed commission. You must wait until you receive your new commission certificate from the Division. Performing notary acts without a valid commission is illegal and can result in criminal charges.