In plain English
It lists the holder's name, term and sometimes county. Holders renew before it expires.
Acting outside the term or area allowed is not permitted.
Why it matters
A notarization performed after a commission expires is not valid, and the signer may never find out until the document is rejected. Signers rarely think to check, so the responsibility for staying current sits with the notary.
For people relying on a document, the commission details on the seal and certificate show who performed the act and let others confirm the notary was authorized at the time.
Worked example
Her term ends in the spring, so she applies to renew a few weeks early to keep working without a gap.
What to do
- Note the expiration date and set reminders well ahead of it.
- Check the commissioning office's current renewal requirements, which may include training or an exam.
- Update the seal and any records once a new commission is issued.
- Report a name or address change as the state requires.
- In New Jersey, look to the State Treasurer's notary office for current rules.
Common mistakes
- Letting a commission lapse and continuing to notarize produces invalid acts and possible discipline.
- Using an old stamp that shows a past expiration date can cause documents to be rejected.
- Changing a legal name without updating the commission can create a mismatch between the seal and official records.
Not the same as: Notary bond
A commission is the state's grant of authority to act as a notary, while a bond is a financial backstop some states require to protect the public. See Notary bond.
Go deeper
- How to Become a Notary Public: General Steps in Any State: The usual path to a notary commission: eligibility, training, application, bond or insurance, oath, supplies and first-week habits, with notes on how states differ.
- Notary Commission Renewal and Ongoing Requirements: What notaries must keep up after getting commissioned: renewal timing, address and name changes, journal duties, bond and insurance renewal, and moving or resigning.
Related terms
- Conflict of interest: A situation where the notary benefits from the transaction or is a party to it, making the notarization improper.
- Credential analysis: Technology that checks whether a government ID is genuine, used in remote online notarization.
- Closing Disclosure: A document that lists final loan terms and closing costs for a mortgage.
Common questions
What is a commission?
The official authority a state gives a person to act as a notary for a set term.
Can you give an example of commission?
Her term ends in the spring, so she applies to renew a few weeks early to keep working without a gap.
How can I check whether a notary's commission is current?
Many states offer an online lookup through the commissioning office. You can also compare the expiration on the seal with the date of the notarization.
Can a New Jersey notary notarize in another state?
A commission generally authorizes acts only within the commissioning state. Someone notarizing elsewhere would need that state's commission.
General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change; check with your state's commissioning office.