-
Step 1
Take a three-hour notary education course. Required of all first-time applicants since July 1, 2000, these three hours of classroom and interactive instructions must be completed within one year prior to the actual application itself. These courses will illustrate all the relevant details about your duties as a notary public, and they are only available from approved vendors.
-
Step 2
Obtain an application. In Florida, applications for appointment or reappointment to become a notary public can only be obtained from a bonding company that has been approved to submit applications electronically to the Department of State, Notary Commissions and Certifications Section. The State itself provides neither applications, nor notary seals.
-
Step 3
Choose from any of the one or two dozen approved bonding companies. Many of these companies provide not only applications, but also the notary bonds and seals, in one easy payment. But while the state fees are fixed, by law, at $39, the price for bonds and seals will vary from company to company, so comparative shopping is highly encouraged.
-
Step 4
Complete and submit your application. Your application will be submitted for approval in both paper and electronic form, and you can expect your commission to be issued within a few days. Remember, however, to keep a copy of your application on file, along with the name and phone number of the bonding agency, if you want to check on the status of your application.
-
Step 5
Wait patiently. If your application is approved by the Governor's Office, your commission will be issued only a few days later. The Department of State will print and mail your notary commission certificate to your bonding agency, who will then forward it on to you. You should receive your notary seal only a few days later. All told, the application process should take no more than 2-3 weeks, unless your application meets with delay or extra scrutiny.
