Guide to Transferring Your Notary Commission to Another State

Published August 20, 2024 · Updated May 26, 2026

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You cannot simply transfer a notary commission from one state to another. Notary commissions are issued by individual states, and each state sets its own requirements. When you move, you resign your old commission and apply fresh in the new state. The process ranges from filling out a one-page form to passing an exam and completing mandatory training, depending on where you are headed.

What Happens to Your Current Commission

When you move out of state, your current notary commission does not automatically end. In most states, a notary commission is tied to residency. Moving means you are no longer a resident, so you can no longer act as a notary in that state. You need to take these steps:

• Resign your commission: Notify your current state’s notary division (usually the Secretary of State) in writing. Some states require a formal resignation letter.
• Destroy or return your seal: Most states require you to destroy your notary seal or return it. Some let you simply deface it so it cannot be used.
• Keep your journal: Your notary journal is your property in most states, but you must retain it for the required retention period (often 7 to 10 years after the last entry). Check your current state’s rules.
• File a final report: A few states require a final accounting or notification when a commission ends early due to relocation.

Do not keep notarizing in your old state after moving. Performing notarial acts without a valid commission is a misdemeanor in most states and can result in fines, liability for damages, and a permanent ban on holding a future commission.

Holding Multiple Commissions

Yes, in certain situations. If you live in one state and work in a neighboring state, or if you maintain a legitimate residence in both, some states allow dual commissions. This is common in border areas like:

• Kansas/Missouri: The Kansas City metro area spans both states. Many notaries hold commissions in both.
• Virginia/Maryland/DC: The DC metro area crosses three jurisdictions. Virginia and Maryland both allow non-residents to apply.
• New York/New Jersey/Connecticut: The tri-state area has many notaries commissioned in multiple states.
• Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana: The Cincinnati metro area spans three states.

States that allow non-resident notary applications include Montana, Wyoming, and others. Check with the new state’s notary division to see if non-resident commissions are available. If you are not moving but just want to add a second state, this is often possible without giving up your original commission.

Researching Your New State’s Requirements

Notary requirements fall on a spectrum from minimal to demanding. Before you move, look up the new state’s requirements so you know what you are walking into:

Low-barrier states

States like Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania require only a short application, a small fee, and no exam. You fill out the form, pay $30 to $50, and receive your commission within a few weeks. No training is required, though it is recommended.

Mid-barrier states

States like Ohio, Georgia, and North Carolina require an application and a bond (typically $500 to $10,000). The bond costs $30 to $100 per year. Some require a short training course or online module. Processing takes 2 to 6 weeks.

High-barrier states

California, New York, and Nevada have the toughest requirements. California requires a 6-hour training course ($50 to $150), passing a state proctored exam ($40), a background check, and a $15,000 bond. New York requires passing a state exam. Nevada requires training, an exam, and a $10,000 bond. Plan for 2 to 4 months from application to active commission in these states.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

1. Resign in your current state: Send a written resignation to the Secretary of State (or whichever agency handles notaries). Include your name, commission number, and effective date. Destroy your seal per state requirements.
2. Establish residency in the new state: Most states require you to be a resident before applying. Get a driver’s license or state ID, register to vote, or establish a physical address. A few states accept non-resident applications.
3. Complete any required training: If the new state requires education, complete an approved course before applying. Online courses are available for most states and cost $30 to $150.
4. Pass the exam (if required): States like California, New York, and Nevada require a proctored exam. Study guides are available from the state notary division. Pass rates are typically 60 to 80 percent on the first attempt.
5. Submit your application: Fill out the new state’s application form, pay the filing fee ($10 to $120 depending on the state), and submit supporting documents (training certificate, exam results, background check).
6. Obtain your bond and supplies: Once approved, purchase your surety bond (if required), a notary seal, and a journal. Bond costs range from $30 to $200 depending on the amount required and the state.
7. File your oath and commission: Many states require you to file your commission with the county clerk. You may need to appear in person and pay a county filing fee ($5 to $30).

What It Costs

Here is a rough breakdown of costs when setting up a new commission:

• Application fee: $10 to $120
• Training course (if required): $30 to $150
• Exam fee (if required): $20 to $40
• Background check: $15 to $50
• Surety bond: $30 to $200
• Notary seal: $15 to $40
• Notary journal: $10 to $25
• County filing fee: $5 to $30

In a low-barrier state like Florida, you might spend $80 to $120 total. In California, plan for $250 to $400. Add errors and omissions insurance if you plan to work as a signing agent (another $30 to $150 per year depending on coverage).

Timeline Expectations

How long it takes to get commissioned in a new state depends on its requirements:

• No exam, no training (Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania): 2 to 4 weeks from application to active commission.
• Training required, no exam (Ohio, Georgia): 3 to 6 weeks. The bottleneck is usually completing the course before applying.
• Exam and training required (California, New York, Nevada): 2 to 4 months. You need to schedule the exam, wait for results, then complete the application and bond process.

If you are moving and need to be commissioned quickly, start the training and exam process before you move if the new state allows it. Some states let you take the exam before establishing residency.

Impact on Your Signing Agent Business

If you work as a notary signing agent, a gap between commissions means lost income. Signing services and title companies require an active notary commission to assign closings. Plan ahead:

• Apply before you move: If the new state allows it, start the application process while still living in the old state. This can cut weeks off your downtime.
• Keep your old commission active as long as possible: If you are moving to a neighboring state where dual commissions are allowed, you can keep both active during the transition.
• Update your profiles: Once commissioned, update your NNA profile, SigningAgent.com listing, and any signing service profiles with your new state, commission number, and expiration date.
• Order new E&O insurance: Your errors and omissions policy may need to be updated or replaced to reflect the new state of commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old notary seal in the new state?

No. Each state commission requires a new seal with the correct state name, your commission number, and expiration date. Your old seal must be destroyed or defaced.

Do I need to take a notary exam again?

It depends on the state. If the new state requires an exam for all new notaries, you take it regardless of your experience. Your existing commission does not exempt you.

Can I notarize documents in my old state after moving?

No. Once you are no longer a resident of the state that issued your commission, your commission is typically void. Notarizing without a valid commission is illegal.

How do I check the requirements for my new state?

Visit the Secretary of State website for the new state and search for “notary public.” The notary division publishes current requirements, fees, and application forms. The National Notary Association also maintains state-by-state guides.

What if I move back to my original state?

You apply as a new notary. Your old commission does not reactivate. You start the application process from scratch, including any required training, exams, and fees.