Notaries with expiring commissions may renew online beginning Dec. 1

Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie today reminded notaries with expiring commissions in 2010 to renew their commissions online at https://notary.sos.state.mn.us beginning Dec. 1 through Jan. 31, 2010.

"Notaries serve an important role in the way business is conducted in Minnesota. They create trust in transactions central to our lives such as starting a business, adopting a child, or even buying a home. It is important for notaries to ensure that their commissions remain current," Ritchie said. "I encourage those with commissions expiring to renew online beginning Dec. 1. It is an easy process that saves notaries valuable time."

Once a notary public is commissioned or renews their commission, they must also file a copy with their county where they are a resident. The cost of a commission or for renewing a commission is $40 plus a $100 fee to register with the county.

If a notary public commission expires, a notary must seek reappointment by submitting a completed Notary Public Application. Application and renewal forms are available online by visiting https://notary.sos.state.mn.us. Or contact the office at 651-296-2803 and select option 3 for assistance.

Notaries public are appointed by the governor and approved by the state senate upon filing with the secretary of state's office. Notaries hold office for a five-year term that expires in the fifth year from the year the commission was issued.