Renewing Your Commission

The single, most-frequently asked question for the notary section of the Secretary of State’s Office is: “How do I renew my commission?”  Generally the process is exactly the same for new applicants and for renewals. While the specific details and forms may change from time to time, the basic requirements remain the same:

• Carefully read and follow the instructions for applying/renewing a notary commission available through the Secretary of State’s office or on this website.  A current application and instructions are included on the previous pages.  Before using them, please verify that these forms or instructions have not been updated since publication of this book.
  

• Obtain and complete the application forms required for a commission.
  

• Contact your bonding agency to renew your surety bond.
  

• Be sure to sign the surety bond (on the line for “Principal”)
  
  
• Send all the original documents, together with the filing fee, to:

          Montana Secretary of State
          PO Box 202801
          Helena  MT 59620-2801

The Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.mt.gov/notary, will always have the most current and updated information, as well as any necessary forms and instructions.  You are encouraged to visit the website, or feel free to contact the office at (406) 444-5379, or (406) 444-1877.

• Welcome
  
  
• Overview
  
  
• Notarial Seal and Stamp
  
  
• Glossary
  
  
• Fundamental Notarial Acts
  
  
• Notarizing Montana Motor Vehicle Titles
  
  
• Certified Copies
  
  
• State Certification of Document to Be Sent to a Foreign Country
  
  
• Quick Reference for Proper Notarizations
  
  
• Frequently Asked Questions
  
  
• Notary Public Self-Quiz and Answers
  
  
• Montana Code Annotated
  
  
• Notary Associations and Reference Information
  
  
• Renewing Your Commission
  
  
• Updating Your Personal Information
  
  
• Notary Application Instructions
  
  
• Checklist for Proper Notarial Blocks

Any statements by the office of the Secretary of State regarding notaries or notarial acts are not intended as legal advice and should not be construed as such.  If you have specific legal questions regarding your acts or conduct as a notary, the Secretary of State's office urges you to seek professional legal advice.