When do I start using my new notary stamp when I am renewing my notary commission? 

This is a question that we have heard consistently from our members and from participants at our seminars. When you are in the process of renewing your notary commission, it is important to know when you can start using your new official stamp. 

If you are a PAN member and purchased a renewal package, a new official stamp will be mailed out to you once the Department of State reappoints you as a notary public. You do not want to start using the new stamp just yet. You will first need to go to your county’s Recorder of Deeds office to record your bond, and commission, and take the oath of office. When you do this and how much time you have left remaining on your current commission, will determine which notary stamp you will want to use. 

Let us say, for example, you went to the Recorder of Deeds to get sworn in, but you still had a month left on your current notary commission. You will continue to use your current notary stamp, until your commission expires; the date is shown on the stamp. You can use the stamp until – but not after – midnight on the expiration date. Once your current commission expires, destroy the stamp so it can no longer be used. 

If you went to the Recorder of Deeds to get sworn in, and your notary commission has already expired, you will start using your new notary stamp once you are sworn in. Again, make sure to destroy your old notary stamp so it can no longer be used. 

When in doubt, take advantage of your PAN membership by contacting our Customer Service Department. We can be reached at 800-944-8790, or live chat with us via our website at http://www.notary.org/, or email your question to [email protected]. We will be glad to answer your questions.