Office of the Notary Public Flashcards
What is a Notary Public
A notary public is a public officer appointed and commissioned by the Governor whose function is to administer oaths; to take acknowledgments of deeds and other instruments; to attest to or certify photocopies of certain documents; and to perform other duties specified by law.
You can only be commissioned in your legal name (or a nickname of your legal name.)
Ex: John Quinton Public John Q. Public J. Quinton Public J. Q. Public Johnny Public
Rules and Requirements to become a notary
You must be at least 18 years of age.
You must be a legal resident of Florida. There is no certain length of time required to establish residency. However, if the Governor’s Office requires proof of residency, the following methods, along with the applicant’s intent to reside in Florida, would be acceptable: a Florida driver’s license; a Florida vehicle registration document; a voter’s registration card; or a recorded Declaration of Domicile.
If you are not a US Citizen you must submit proof of:
A recorded Declaration of Domicile. This affidavit is available at your county clerk’s office.
If convicted of a felony
You must have your civil rights restored, before you can become a notary.
If you wish to restore your rights after being convicted of a felony:
You must submit:
A written statement regarding the nature and the circumstances of the charges.
A copy of the Judgment and Sentencing Order , or a comparable court document
As well as a Copy of the Certificate of Restoration of Civil Rights (or pardon)
This is required for all states within the US.
To obtain information regarding the restoration of rights you will contact:
Office of Executive Clemency 2601 Blair Stone Road Building C, Room 229 Tallahassee, FL 32399-2450 (850) 488-2952
Once you have submitted the necessary documents for restoration of civil rights
You must take the constitutional oath of office.
You must swear or affirm that you have read the notary laws and will obey them.
You must complete a three hour notary education course if you are a first time applicant. §668.50(b), Fla. Stat.
How long is a notary term?
4 years
Example: A commission which began on July 1, 1996 (12:01 a.m.) will end on June 30, 2000 (12:00 p.m.).
Notaries are public officers that are appointed and commissioned. You are not:
Licensed, you are appointed.
If you undergo a name change for your legal commissioned name:
You must request an amended commission by submitting the appropriate application form
A rider to the notary bond
And a fee of $25
Once you make an application for change of name:
You will continue using your commissioned name until you receive your new seal
You will receive a new commission number, but expiration date stays the same.
Will I receive a new commission number after changing my commissioned name?
Yes! You will receive a new commission number, but expiration date will remain the same.
What happens if I lose my commission certificate?
You may request a duplicate from the Department of State ,
Notary Commissions and Certifications section
Or from your bonding agency.
Application Process
- No longer requires notarization
Name Social DOB, Sex Place of Employment, Business Address Home Phone Business Phone, Drivers License Number or other state identification Information about any previous notary commission Residency status Citizenship status Criminal record Information about any professional licenses
Oath of office
The applicant must sign the following oath :
State of Florida __________ County
I do solemnly (swear) (affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the State of Florida; that I have read Chapter 117, Florida Statutes, and any amendments thereto, and know the duties, responsibilities, limitations, and powers of a notary public, and that I will honestly, diligently, and faithfully discharge the duties of Notary Public, State of Florida, on which I am now about the enter (, so help me God).
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing application and oath and that the facts stated in it are true.
I accept the office of Notary Public, State of Florida.
Affidavit of Character:
A person who is unrelated to the applicant and who has known the applicant for at least one year must give a sworn statement that the applicant is of good character.
Total state fees:
State fees are $39
$25 application fee
$10 commission fee
$4 education surcharge
Veterans who have served during wartime period defined in law and have a disability rating of 50% or more are exempt from what?
The $10 commission fee
A veteran who qualifies for the commission fee ($10) to be waived must submit what?
The reduction must be requested in writing, and proof of exemption must be provided.
Where is the notary seal sent?
Once appointment has been made, the certificate is mailed back to the bonding agency, who forwards it to the notary with the notary seal.
What’s the renewal process like?
The process is the exact same for renewal, as it is for appointment.
Does the state notify you in regards to your expiration date?
The state does not notify you of your expiration of your notary commission. However, you are likely to receive notification from your bonding agency and a number of other companies who may be seeking your business.
When should you submit an application for renewal?
Submit your application for renewal about two months in advance of your expiration date, or earlier if your application will require special review by the Governor’s Office.
That will be ensure there is no break in service
What should I do with my previous seal?
Continue using your current notary seal through the end of your current commission
If reappointed, you must not use your new seal until the first day of your new commission.
Destroy your previous seal to prevent misuse.
Change in Address
You must submit a change of address in writing to the Notary Commissions and Certifications Section.
You are required to keep your home and business address and telephone numbers updated.
If I move out of state, what happens to my notary commission?
If you move out of state and change your legal residence, you must resign your notary commission
How to submit change of address?
You may photocopy and use the form on page 71 of the Governors Reference Manual for Notaries.