A notary stamp is an essential tool for any notary public, serving as an official seal to authenticate documents and prevent fraud. However, notary commissions are not permanent, and each state imposes specific expiration dates on a notary’s authority. Understanding how long a notary stamp is valid and what steps to take for renewal ensures uninterrupted notary services.
What Is a Notary Stamp?
A notary stamp (also called a notary seal) is a physical or electronic imprint that a notary public uses to verify notarized documents. It typically includes the notary’s name, commission number, state of commission, and expiration date. The stamp is required on most notarized documents to confirm their authenticity.
How Long Does a Notary Stamp Last?
The validity of a notary stamp depends on the notary’s commission period, which varies by state. In most states, a notary commission lasts between four and ten years before it expires. Once a commission expires, the notary must renew their certification and obtain a new stamp to continue performing notarial acts.
Here are the standard commission lengths in some states:
- California – 4 years
- Texas – 4 years
- Florida – 4 years
- New York – 4 years
- Illinois – 4 years
- Ohio – 5 years
- Pennsylvania – 4 years
- North Carolina – 5 years
- Louisiana – Lifetime (unless revoked)
Because the expiration date of a notary’s commission is printed on the stamp, it’s important to be aware of renewal deadlines to avoid a lapse in certification.
What Happens When a Notary Stamp Expires?
If a notary stamp expires, the notary cannot legally perform notarizations until they renew their commission. Using an expired notary stamp on documents is considered invalid and could lead to legal penalties.
How to Renew a Notary Commission
To continue performing notarial acts after a commission expires, notaries must go through a renewal process, which usually involves:
- Completing a Renewal Application – Notaries must submit a renewal application to the state’s governing agency (e.g., Secretary of State).
- Taking a Notary Training Course (if required) – Some states require notaries to complete a training course or pass an exam before renewal.
- Passing a Background Check – Certain states require background screenings for notary renewals.
- Purchasing a New Notary Bond – Many states require notaries to have a surety bond, which must be renewed with the commission.
- Ordering a New Notary Stamp – Since the new commission will have a different expiration date, a notary must obtain an updated stamp.
Where to Get Notary Services
If you need a notarization, it’s crucial to work with a commissioned notary whose stamp is still valid. For professional and reliable notarization, visit a notary in Newport Beach to ensure your documents are properly authenticated.
Final Thoughts
A notary stamp is typically valid for four to ten years, depending on the state’s commission period. Notaries must be proactive about renewing their certification before expiration to continue providing services legally. If you need a notarization, always check the expiration date on the notary’s stamp to ensure your documents are legally valid.
