{
  "name": "Notary public commission term length by US state \u2014 how many years a commission lasts before it must be renewed, quoted from the state's own statute",
  "description": "Every state commissions notaries public for a fixed term before renewal is required, but the length varies far more than most people expect \u2014 from 2 years (Delaware's initial term) and 3 years (Iowa) up to 10 years (Arkansas, South Carolina), with Ohio at 5 years except for attorneys, Michigan running 6 to 7 years on the notary's own birthday, and Louisiana alone commissioning notaries for life. A widely used free tracker (getlicensemap.com's 'Notary Renewal Requirements' chart) covers all 50 states plus DC for this exact fact, but its own sourcing note is a single blanket claim ('sourced from official state Secretary of State offices... and other state commissioning authorities') with no citation on any individual row \u2014 there is no way to check one state's figure against the statute it supposedly came from. This asset states the term length for each jurisdiction against the actual statute or administrative code section, quoted verbatim, so every row can be checked. Each record is one state; the term length is given exactly as the statute states it (a fixed number of years, a birthday-anchored range, or 'for life'), together with the citation. Answers 'how long does a notary commission last in my state', 'when do I need to renew my notary commission', 'is Louisiana the only state with a lifetime notary commission'.",
  "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/",
  "licence": "unknown",
  "last_verified": "2026-09-02",
  "stale_after": "2028-09-01",
  "sources": [
    "https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-21/chapter-14/subchapter-1/section-21-14-101/",
    "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=8204.",
    "http://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c043/sc01/index.html",
    "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0117.01",
    "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol10_Ch0436-0474/HRS0456/HRS_0456-0001.htm",
    "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/9B.21.pdf",
    "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XLVI-111",
    "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gsg&section=18-103",
    "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-55-269",
    "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=486.610",
    "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=64-101",
    "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-240.html",
    "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-147.03",
    "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors194.html",
    "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t26c001.php",
    "https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._gov't_code_section_406.002",
    "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title47.1/chapter4/section47.1-21/"
  ],
  "records": [
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Arkansas",
      "term_length": "a term of ten (10) years, beginning on the date of commission or the date of renewal",
      "statute_citation": "Ark. Code \u00a7 21-14-101",
      "id": "arkansas",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/arkansas/",
      "source": "https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-21/chapter-14/subchapter-1/section-21-14-101/",
      "source_quote": "A notary public may perform notarial acts in any part of the state for a term of ten (10) years, beginning on the date of commission or the date of renewal of a commission issued by the Secretary of State.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "California",
      "term_length": "The term of office of a notary public is for four years commencing with the date specified in the commission",
      "statute_citation": "Cal. Gov't Code \u00a7 8204",
      "id": "california",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/california/",
      "source": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=8204.",
      "source_quote": "8204. The term of office of a notary public is for four years commencing with the date specified in the commission.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Delaware",
      "term_length": "initially commissioned as a notary public for a term of 2 years",
      "renewal_term": "may request a 2-year reappointment or a 4-year reappointment",
      "statute_citation": "29 Del. C. \u00a7 4307",
      "id": "delaware",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/delaware/",
      "source": "http://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c043/sc01/index.html",
      "source_quote": "An individual is to be initially commissioned as a notary public for a term of 2 years. A notary public who wishes to renew the notary public\u2019s commission may request a 2-year reappointment or a 4-year reappointment.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "renewal_term",
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Florida",
      "term_length": "appointed for 4 years",
      "statute_citation": "Fla. Stat. \u00a7 117.01(1)",
      "id": "florida",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/florida/",
      "source": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0117.01",
      "source_quote": "A notary public shall be appointed for 4 years and may only use and exercise the office of notary public if he or she is within the boundaries of this state.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Hawaii",
      "term_length": "The term of commission of a notary public shall be four years from the date of the notary public's commission",
      "statute_citation": "HRS \u00a7 456-1",
      "id": "hawaii",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/hawaii/",
      "source": "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol10_Ch0436-0474/HRS0456/HRS_0456-0001.htm",
      "source_quote": "The term of commission of a notary public shall be four years from the date of the notary public's commission, unless sooner removed by the attorney general for cause after the opportunity for hearing",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Iowa",
      "term_length": "issue a commission as a notary public to an applicant for a term of three years",
      "statute_citation": "Iowa Code \u00a7 9B.21",
      "id": "iowa",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/iowa/",
      "source": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/9B.21.pdf",
      "source_quote": "On compliance with this section, the secretary of state shall issue a commission as a notary public to an applicant for a term of three years. The term of a notarial officer who is a resident of a state bordering Iowa and whose place of work or business is in Iowa is one year.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Louisiana",
      "term_length": "a notary is commissioned for life",
      "statute_citation": "La. Admin. Code tit. 46, \u00a7 XLVI-111",
      "id": "louisiana",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/louisiana/",
      "source": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XLVI-111",
      "source_quote": "A notary is commissioned based upon the commission date indicated on the notary database. He does not have to wait until he receives the commission certificate from the secretary of state's office before performing notary functions. In addition, a notary is commissioned for life.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Maryland",
      "term_length": "The term of a notary public commission is 4 years",
      "statute_citation": "Md. Code, State Gov't \u00a7 18-103",
      "id": "maryland",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/maryland/",
      "source": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gsg&section=18-103",
      "source_quote": "The term of a notary public commission is 4 years. (2) The Secretary of State shall adopt, by regulation, a staggered system for the expiration and renewal of notary public commissions.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Michigan",
      "term_length": "until the notary's birthday occurring not less than 6 years and not more than 7 years after the date of his or her appointment",
      "statute_citation": "MCL 55.269",
      "id": "michigan",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/michigan/",
      "source": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-55-269",
      "source_quote": "a notary public may reside in, move to, and perform notarial acts anywhere in this state from the date of appointment until the notary's birthday occurring not less than 6 years and not more than 7 years after the date of his or her appointment unless the appointment is canceled, suspended, or revoked by the secretary or by operation of law.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Missouri",
      "term_length": "for a term of four years",
      "statute_citation": "Mo. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 486.610",
      "id": "missouri",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/missouri/",
      "source": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=486.610",
      "source_quote": "486.610. Notary, term of commission \u2014 grandfather provision. \u2014 1. A person commissioned as a notary may perform notarial acts in any part of this state, and only in this state, for a term of four years, unless the commission is earlier revoked under section 486.810 or resigned under section 486.790",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Nebraska",
      "term_length": "shall hold office for a term of four years from the effective date of his or her commission unless sooner removed",
      "statute_citation": "Neb. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 64-101",
      "id": "nebraska",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/nebraska/",
      "source": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=64-101",
      "source_quote": "Each person appointed a notary public shall hold office for a term of four years from the effective date of his or her commission unless sooner removed.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Nevada",
      "term_length": "for a term of 4 years, unless sooner removed",
      "statute_citation": "NRS 240.020",
      "id": "nevada",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/nevada/",
      "source": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-240.html",
      "source_quote": "NRS 240.020 Powers limited to areas within this State; term of office. A person appointed as a notary public pursuant to this chapter may perform notarial acts in any part of this state for a term of 4 years, unless sooner removed.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Ohio",
      "term_length": "shall hold office for the term of five years unless the commission is revoked",
      "statute_citation": "Ohio Rev. Code \u00a7 147.03",
      "id": "ohio",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/ohio/",
      "source": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-147.03",
      "source_quote": "Each notary public, except an attorney admitted to the practice of law in this state by the Ohio supreme court, shall hold office for the term of five years unless the commission is revoked.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Oregon",
      "term_length": "issue a commission as a notary public to the applicant for a term of four years",
      "statute_citation": "ORS 194.315",
      "id": "oregon",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/oregon/",
      "source": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors194.html",
      "source_quote": "Upon the applicant\u2019s compliance with this section, the Secretary of State shall issue a commission as a notary public to the applicant for a term of four years.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "South Carolina",
      "term_length": "to hold their offices for a term of ten years",
      "statute_citation": "S.C. Code \u00a7 26-1-10",
      "id": "south-carolina",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/south-carolina/",
      "source": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t26c001.php",
      "source_quote": "The Governor may appoint from the qualified electors as many notaries public throughout the State as the public good requires, to hold their offices for a term of ten years. A commission must be issued to each notary public so appointed and the record of the appointment must be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Texas",
      "term_length": "expires four years after the date the notary public qualifies",
      "statute_citation": "Tex. Gov't Code \u00a7 406.002",
      "id": "texas",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/texas/",
      "source": "https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._gov't_code_section_406.002",
      "source_quote": "The term of a notary public expires four years after the date the notary public qualifies.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "Virginia",
      "term_length": "shall be four years",
      "statute_citation": "Va. Code \u00a7 47.1-21",
      "id": "virginia",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/notary-public-commission-term-length-by-state/virginia/",
      "source": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title47.1/chapter4/section47.1-21/",
      "source_quote": "The commission of a notary public shall be four years, except as shall be otherwise provided in this title. The commission of a notary public shall expire in the fourth calendar year after issuance of his commission on the last day of the month in which the notary was born.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "term_length"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "jurisdiction",
        "statute_citation"
      ]
    }
  ]
}