How to become a Notary in the State of Florida
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Step 1
Step 1
Take the Notary Education Course
Take the Notary Education Course
A first time applicant for a notary commission must submit proof that they have taken the three hours notary course within one year prior to submitting the application. This course is provided by the Florida Department of State online for free or by an approved Florida education providers for a fee.
Step 2
Step 2
Contact a Bonding Agency
Contact a Bonding Agency
After successfully completing the notary educational course, you must contact one of the approved bonding agencies, and make a one time payment that generally includes:
State filing fees;
Notary surety bond;
Notary seal, and
Other supplies (Optional)
They will provide you with the notary application form to be filled out, signed and returned for submission to the State.
The approved list of bonding agencies can be found on the Florida Department of State and Florida Governor's website.
Step 3
Step 3
Complete the Application
Complete the Application
Provide all of the required information on the notary application form, which will be provided to you by the bonding agency. If there is any information missing, your application will be returned by the state to the bonding agency until all necessary information has been submitted.
Step 4
Step 4
Submit the application through your Bonding Agency
Once your application has been fully completed, you must submit your application to your bonding agency. They will forward your application to the State for review.
To check the status of your application, please contact your bonding agency.
Requirements to become a Notary
You may only be commissioned in your legal first name (or a nickname of your legal first name, within reason) and your legal last name. The inclusion of your legal middle name or initial in your commissioned name is optional.
You must be at least 18 years of age.
You must be a legal resident of Florida.
For permanent resident aliens: “A permanent resident alien may apply and be appointed and shall file with their application a recorded Declaration of Domicile," which can be obtained from your county clerk.
If ever convicted of a felony, or if ever had adjudication withheld or sentence suspended for a felony offense, you must submit the following documents:
A written statement regarding the nature and circumstances of the charges;
A copy of the Judgment and Sentencing Order; and,
If convicted, a copy of the Certification of Restoration of Civil Rights (or pardon). The name of this document may vary depending on the state where the conviction occurred. If the conviction occurred in a state that does not provide a document of this nature upon the restoration of civil rights, the applicant is responsible for providing explanation and substantial evidence as proof of the fact.
This information is required whether the felony charges were brought by the State of Florida, another state, or the United States. If adjudication was withheld and civil rights were not forfeited, the written statement and court documents are sufficient.
To obtain information about the restoration of civil rights, you may contact:
4070 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2450
(850) 488-2952
Where can I apply to become a Notary?
Where can I apply to become a Notary?
This information can be found on the Florida Governor's or Florida Department of State website . There is also a list of approved education providers and approved bonding agency available on the website.
Is it required by law for notaries to use a Journal in Florida?
Is it required by law for notaries to use a Journal in Florida?
Although not required by Florida law, you may consider keeping a notary journal. Any notary who is concerned with liability may want to consider this protective measure to provide a permanent record of their notarial acts.
What are the elements that must be included in the notarial certificate?
the venue where the notarization takes place (State of Florida, County of ____);
the type of notarial act performed whether you administered an oath to the document signer or took their acknowledgment (look for the key words "sworn to" or "acknowledged");
that the document signer physically appeared before the notary or online notarization;
the date of the notarization;
the name of the person(s) whose signature is being notarized;
the type of identification relied upon in identifying the signer, either based on personal knowledge or an acceptable form of identification;
the notary's signature (exactly as commissioned);
the notary's name printed, typed, or stamped below the signature; and
the notary's official seal (The seal must contain the words "Notary Public-State of Florida" and the notary's name, expiration date, and commission number, and must be affixed in black ink.)
What are the fees can I charge as a notary?
What are the fees can I charge as a notary?
Can I notarize documents for relatives?
Can I notarize documents for relatives?
A notary public commissioned in the State of Florida may not notarize a signature on a document if the person whose signature is to be notarized is the spouse, son, daughter, mother, or father of the notary public.
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