Frequently Asked Questions
And the answers you are looking for.
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a state public officer appointed and commissioned by the Governor whose function is to: administer oaths, take acknowledgments of deeds and other instruments, attest to or certify photocopies of certain documents, and perform other duties specified by law.
What can a Notary do?
A commissioned notary is a state public officer that has been approved by the Governor’s office to perform the following six duties:
- Administer oaths/affirmations
- Solemnizing marriage between couples
- Taking acknowledgements
- Verifying Vehicle Identification Numbers
- Verifying the contents of a safety deposit box
- Verifying the photocopies of various documents
How do I become a Florida Notary?
Fortunately, Florida Notary Agency processes your Application and submits all of the required fees on your behalf to the state of Florida. The requirements are: (1) submit an Application to the State of Florida; (2) pay the $39 Florida filing fee; (3) obtain a $7,500 Notary Bond; and (4) obtain a Notary Stamp/Seal. Additionally, if you are a first time notary you must complete a three hour notary education course and provide the state with a copy of the course completion.
Where can I access Chapter 117 – Notaries Public?
Click here to view Chapter 117 – Notaries Public.
Where can I find a copy of the Governor's Reference Manual for Notaries?
Click here to view the Governor's Reference Manual for Notaries.
I am filing as a first time notary; what do I have to do in order to meet the Florida notary education requirement?
A first-time applicant for a notary commission must submit proof that the applicant has, within 1 year prior to the application, completed at least 3 hours of interactive or classroom instruction, including electronic notarization, and covering the duties of the notary public. Courses satisfying this section may be offered by any public or private sector person or entity registered with the Executive Office of the Governor and must include a core curriculum approved by that office. (Florida Statutes, 668.50 (11)).
Click here to access the online notary course.
How do I renew my Florida Notary?
Florida Notary Agency offers a seamless renewal process that allows you to pull your information from your prior notary application, make updates if necessary, and checkout. You will then print out your renewal application, sign and mail it back to us. It is quick and easy as 1-2-3!
When should I start the renewal process?
While the length it takes to become a notary changes per state, it is generally recommended you start the process at least six to nine months early.
How long does it take to become a Florida notary or to renew my Florida notary commission?
This process normally takes two to three weeks from the time we receive your properly completed and signed materials from you.
- Applicant completes online form; prints form and mails to Florida Notary Agency.
- Florida Notary Agency receives Application; FNA digitizes Application; mails original to Florida’s Department of Corporation 2nd Day Air and emails Applicant of receipt and processing.
- State of Florida processes Application (takes five to fourteen days).
- State of Florida mails Florida Notary Agency the Notary Commission Certificate; Florida Notary Agency digitizes commission certificate and emails Application that Notary Commission has been processed by the state.
- Florida Notary Agency then mails to the applicant the original Notary Commission Certificate and Notary Seal.
Can I fax my registration materials or notary education course completion certificate?
You cannot fax the Notary Application or any other required documents. The State of Florida requires that all registration materials and course completion certificates have original signatures and require hard copy originals to be submitted to the state for processing.
What is included in the Florida Notary Agency All-Inclusive Notary Package?
- State of Florida Filling Fees
- Official Notary Commission Certificate
- $7,500 Required Notary Bond
- Required Notary Stamp
- Online Management System
- Online Florida Notary Application
What is a Notary Bond?
The state of Florida requires that a commissioned notary carry a bond in the amount of $7,500. In the event that a notary fails to administer his or her duty correctly, the notary bond will compensate the individuals harmed as a result. The notary bond protects notaries’ clients.
The notary may then be pursued for all expenses as a result of their negligence. For coverage that ensures you are protected, it is recommended that you purchase E&O Insurance. Please see below.
Note: The Florida Notary Agency package includes the bond required for your new and renewal commission. The notary bond is written through RLI Insurance Company – Surety Division.
What is E&O Insurance?
Florida Notary Agency professionals highly recommend all applicants purchase Errors and Omissions insurance which protects you the notary from negligent acts. This coverage is optional and not required.
Within the scope of the policy terms and language, professional liability (E&O) insurance will protect the commissioned notary from negligence, errors or omissions alleged or committed when acting as an active notary up to the policy limits.
Expense for legal defense is provided to the insured and paid for up to the policy limits even when the claim is fraudulent or groundless against the commissioned notary.
Florida Notary Agency offers Errors and Omissions Insurance through RLI Insurance Company – Surety Division.
Note: This is an abbreviated synopsis of the scope of Errors and Omissions insurance. All coverage is subject to the conditions, provisions, and exclusions of the insurance policy provided by RLI Insurance Company – Surety Division.
What types of losses does Notary E&O cover?
Simple oversights such as failing to affix your notary stamp/seal or properly identifying the signer(s). Even if the claim isn't valid, you still could be faced with court costs while defending yourself. Without E&O, these costs would come out of your pocket.
What does notary E&O provide me?
- Protection against any claim for an error or omission allegedly made by you
- Protection from personal liability
- Coverage of all defense costs
- No deductible. The policy pays from the first cent
- Protects the notary whether the claim is true or false
- Covers you on the job
- Provides for legal fees and expenses
- Offers affordable protection
- Provides you with peace of mind
Can my business pay for my notary application and training?
Yes.
If my business pays for my notary and I leave my place of employment, am I still a notary?
Yes. The notary is personal to the individual no matter who paid for the notary commission.
Can my business keep my notary stamp if I leave employment for any reason?
No. The notary stamp belongs to the notary. Any business keeping the notary stamp should be reported immediately to the office that issued the notary commission such as the Governor or Secretary of State's office.
Doesn't my employer protect me while notarizing on the job?
No. Notaries are individually responsible for all of their actions. Even if you notarize for your employer, you are responsible—no matter who paid for your notary commission.
What must I do if my name changes?
F.S. 117.05(9) requires the Notary to request a name change and amended commission within 60 days of the name change by mailing $25 and a notice of change form with the Secretary of State. A rider to the notary bond must accompany the name change.
What do I do if I lose my Notary Seal?
The law requires you to contact the Department of State or the Govenor in writing. Be sure to give us your commission number and date of birth for identification, and tell us the last date that your seal was in your possession.
What if I move out of Florida, may I transfer my notary commission?
Unfortunately, the Florida commission is not transferable. If you are permanently relocating, as an appointed public officer of the State of Florida, you must surrender your commission. Upon your decision to relocate, you should contact of the office of the Governor by letter with your original notary commission certificate asking to resign your commission.
Can I notarize my own documents or the documents of my family?
No. You may not notarize for mother, father, sister or brother. You can notarize for stepmother, etc…
Can I perform the wedding of a family member?
Yes. You may not notarize for a family member.
Does the person whose signature I'm notarizing have to be present?
Yes. If they are not, you are in violation of state notary statutes. Notaries are never under any circumstance allowed to violate the presence requirement.
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