Posted by JamieFL on 5/10/09 3:58pm
Msg #287937

To my fellow Floridian notaries

I have just renewed my Florida commission for the first time here in FL. I received my new certificate and stamp with a different commission number on it. Is that normal? I have renewed it 3 times before in NY and I always kept the same commission number, Just wondering if this is the norm for here or if they put it in as a NEW commission. TIA

Reply by cntrlcalntry on 5/10/09 4:35pm
Msg #287938

In CA. we get a different commission # ea. time. n/m

Reply by Yowheelz on 5/10/09 4:57pm
Msg #287939

MD does not even have a commission number. n/m

Reply by KimWmsVA on 5/10/09 5:22pm
Msg #287941

Re: MD does not even have a commission number.

Virginia keeps the same commission number.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/10/09 6:19pm
Msg #287943

It's a new and different number every renewal n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/11/09 7:31am
Msg #287967

Another quick question about Florida renewal...

how long does it normally take? I got my original commission through NNA (easier at the time to let them handle my light work..<G>....I'll do my renewal on my own....are they backlogged like CA used to be or is it a fairly quick procedure - wondering how far in advance I need to start the process...

Reply by PAW on 5/11/09 8:42am
Msg #287970

Re: Another quick question about Florida renewal...

According to the Florida Division of Corporations, which oversee the application process for notaries, they will not accept an application more than 3 months in advance. The average processing time for the State is about 10 working days, but the bonding agency also has to have about 7-10 days to get the bond (required) and E&O insurance, if ordered.

The bonding agencies that I've dealt with in the past (Atlantic, Huckleberry, Budget and Troy Fain) will accept an application up to 6 months in advance. Then the application will be held until 3 months before the expiration of the notary's current commission.

So, my suggestion is to submit your application (renewal), between 4 and 5 months before the expiration of your current commission.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/11/09 9:41am
Msg #287973

Thanks Paul...:) n/m

Reply by Michele WEINTRAUB-FLEITES on 5/10/09 6:58pm
Msg #287944

When you renewed did you use the same company? Or a new one?

Reply by PAW on 5/10/09 9:15pm
Msg #287947

Commission # and Notary ID when renewing in FL

Florida notaries are assigned TWO numbers: Notary ID and Commission Number. Your Notary ID will remain the same through each renewal. Even if you let your commission expire then get reappointed at a later date, your Notary ID will still be the same. Your Commission Number changes with each appointment. So, each time you renew, you will be reappointed and assigned a new Commission Number. It's just the way it works in Florida.

Reply by davidK/CA on 5/10/09 10:13pm
Msg #287951

Two numbers? How does that make things better?

At last FL has outdone CA in silly rules and procedures.

I do not understand how having two separate number sequences for any one individual would be simpler and easier to manage than just one sequence.

Reply by PAW on 5/11/09 8:50am
Msg #287972

Re: Two numbers? How does that make things better?

Not silly at all. You need to understand how a notary receives their commission to understand why there are two sets of numbers.

The Notary ID is equivalent to a license number for other jobs, such as mortgage broker. The application process for notaries, like licensed brokers, is handled by the Division of Corporations. A license number does not change when a licensed is renewed; the same for the Notary ID.

However, notaries are NOT licensed in the State of Florida. The Division of Corporations sends the application (after administrative processing) to the Governor's Office for appointment. The governor makes the appointment and his office issues the Commission. The Governor's Office treats every appointment as a new commission since all the requirements for renewal is the same as a new appointment, except for the certification of a 3-hour training class (verified and administered by the Division of Corporations).

It's just they way licensing and regulated appointments are managed in Florida.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 5/11/09 12:23pm
Msg #287995

Re: Two numbers? How does that make things better?

Seems to be a good system Paul. I like the idea of keeping one number throughout your life, In CA we do it with both Real Estate Brokers and Insurance Brokers. I find keeping the smae number makes it a lot easier to find someone because of the continuity of the numbering system, especially through subsequent commisions.

Reply by PAW on 5/11/09 1:07pm
Msg #288005

Re: Two numbers? How does that make things better?

The only problem with "Notary ID" is that it doesn't appear on our seals or stamps. It is on our commission certificate and, of course, maintained in the Notary database. So chances of anyone in the general public other than the notary knowing what their Notary ID is, is pretty slim.

Reply by JamieFL on 5/10/09 10:17pm
Msg #287954

Re: Commission # and Notary ID when renewing in FL

Thanks for all of the replies. I just got confused when I got the new stamp. I thought I had reapplied for a NEW on by mistake. I was used to NY rules on renewal I guess.