Commission Process
The following are the most common questions asked by our customers regarding orders. However, if your question is not listed below feel free to contact us to receive an answer to your question.
What are the requirements to become a Florida notary public?
How do I become a Florida notary public?
How do I renew my Florida notary commission?
How long does it take to complete the Florida notary process?
I've submitted my Florida notary application. Am I a Florida notary now?
How do I find out the status of my Florida notary application?
Does my application have to be notarized?
How do I contact the Florida Secretary of State?
How do I change my name on my Florida notary commission?
Do I need to notify you of an address change?
If I move to another state, can I transfer my Florida notary commission?
What are the requirements to become a Florida notary public?
You must be a legal resident of Florida, be at least 18 years of age, be able to read, write, and understand the English language, and take a state-approved Florida notary education course.
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How do I become a Florida notary public?
You will need to complete the state required notary application and submit the required documentation, purchase the required notary bond, state fees and notary seal, and take the required notary education course. Click 'Become a Notary' to start your application today.
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How do I renew my Florida notary commission?
You will need to complete the state required notary application, and purchase the required notary bond, state fees and notary seal. The State of Florida does require you to complete the application in full even though you are a renewal. This includes submitting all documentation requested by the State of Florida. Click 'Renew your Commission' to start your application today.
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How long does it take to complete the Florida notary process?
You will receive your new commission and notary products within 5-10 days after we have received your completed and eligible notary packet.
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I've submitted my Florida notary application. Am I a Florida notary now?
No. Only the commissioning authority can issue a Florida notary commission. The Florida Governor's Office, Notary Section, and the Florida Secretary of State's Office, Notary Commissions and Certifications Section, handle the commissioning process in the state of Florida. As your notary bonding agency, we handle your Florida notary application and manufacture your notary supplies once you are commissioned by the state.
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How do I find out the status of my Florida notary application?
If you placed an order online, you may check the status of your application online in your account. If you mailed your order to us and would like to check the status of your Florida notary application, please contact our Customer Service department at 877.298.8274, or email Budget Notary Services at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Does my application have to be notarized?
No, nothing on your Florida notary application paperwork needs to be notarized. There is a section titled 'Affidavit of Character'; someone who has known you for more than one year and is not related to you completes this section. Despite its title, the Affidavit does not require notarization.
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Do I need to fill out the employer section of the Florida notary application if I'm not planning to use the Florida notary commission for my job?
As required by Florida law, you must provide your business address and business phone number on the Florida notary application. You may read the Florida Statutes 117.01 (2) here.
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How do I contact the Florida Secretary of State?
You can reach the Florida Secretary of State by telephone at 850.245.6975.
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How do I change my name on my Florida notary commission?
If you are bonded through Budget Notary Services, you may download the Amended Commission Notary Packet here. Otherwise contact us, Budget Notary Services, with your current Florida notary commission number and name, your new name, and current mailing address. We will send you the proper Florida notary name change paperwork and instructions. You must be bonded through Budget Notary Services for us to assist you with the Florida notary name change process.
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Do I need to notify you of an address change?
The State of Florida requires that all Florida notary address changes be submitted in writing within 60 days of the change. If you are bonded through Budget Notary Services, complete the Address Change Form and return it to us. For faster service, you may e-mail this to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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If I move to another state, can I transfer my Florida notary commission?
You cannot transfer your Florida Notary Public commission to another state. Notary commissions are specific to individual states, and notary laws can vary widely between states. If you are moving out of state, you must resign your Florida notary commission and re-apply in your new state.
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I obtained my Florida notary commission through my job, do I need to notify the Secretary of State if I leave my current employer?
Yes, you do. According to Florida law, you must provide notification of any changes to your business address or business phone number, as well as your home address or home phone, within 60 days of the change. You will find the appropriate form here. It should be submitted to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or you may mail it to:
Budget Notary Services
P.O.Box 5797
Tallahassee, FL 32314
We will forward your change to the Secretary of State's office for you.
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The Florida notary commission number I had when I became a Florida notary previously is not the same as the notary commission number I received upon renewing my Florida notary commission. Shouldn't the numbers be the same?
Florida notary commission numbers are issued per notary commission, not per Florida notary. Therefore, each time you renew your term of office as a Florida Notary Public, you will be issued a new Florida notary commission number for that specific notary term. Once a Florida notary commission expires, so does that coinciding commission number.