Not a government website. We are a private company, not affiliated with any Secretary of State, notary commissioning office or contractor licensing board. Renewal applications are filed directly with your state.
Iowa notary reappointment in short
An Iowa commission lasts 3 years, so renewals come around faster than in most states.[1] The law does not set a first day to file; it relies on the notice the Secretary of State mails about two months before expiration. If that notice has not arrived six weeks before your date, ask the office for the reappointment application.[1]
The new commission is issued only after the Secretary of State has your signed oath of office.[1]
Iowa rules side by side with other states: how to renew a notary commission. Other states: New York notary renewal, Texas notary renewal, Florida notary renewal, Illinois notary renewal, Colorado notary renewal, North Carolina notary renewal, Ohio notary renewal, California notary renewal, New Jersey notary renewal, Missouri notary renewal, Virginia notary renewal, Georgia notary renewal, Michigan notary renewal, Arizona notary renewal, Maryland notary renewal, Pennsylvania notary renewal, Oklahoma notary renewal, Kansas notary renewal, Washington notary renewal.
Iowa notary renewal requirements
This table is what Iowa Secretary of State and Iowa Code chapter 9B say, read on 2026-11-15. Where they say nothing, the row says so instead of guessing.
| Commission term | 3 years.[1] (Iowa Code 9B.21) |
|---|---|
| Earliest day to apply | The law sets no earliest day to file. The Secretary of State mails a renewal notice and a blank reappointment application about two months before the commission expires.[1] (Iowa Code 9B.21A) |
| State fee | $30 application fee.[1] (Iowa Code 9B.21(1)) |
| Bond | Iowa's notary chapter lists no bond.[1] (Iowa Code ch. 9B) |
| Course to renew | Iowa's notary chapter lists no course for reappointment.[1] (Iowa Code ch. 9B) |
| Exam to renew | Iowa's notary chapter lists no exam for reappointment.[1] (Iowa Code ch. 9B) |
| Fingerprints or background check | Check with the Iowa Secretary of State. |
| Oath | You sign the oath of office and send it to the Secretary of State before the new commission is issued.[1] (Iowa Code 9B.21(3)) |
| Seal or stamp | Check with the Iowa Secretary of State. |
| Journal | Check with the Iowa Secretary of State. |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Check with the Iowa Secretary of State. |
How to renew a Iowa notary commission, step by step
Iowa renewal is 3 steps, in this order.[1]
- Watch for the reappointment application the Secretary of State mails about two months before expiration.
- Fill it in and sign the oath of office.
- Send both to the Secretary of State with the $30 fee before your commission expires.
You apply to Iowa Secretary of State yourself: Iowa notary page. The state decides the application and its timing.
If your Iowa commission already expired
Check with the Iowa Secretary of State.
After a lapse: course check with the Iowa Secretary of State; exam check with the Iowa Secretary of State.
Name or address change during your commission
Check with the Iowa Secretary of State.
Electronic and remote online notarization: Iowa law allows remote and electronic notarial acts; ask the Secretary of State what notice it needs first.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renew a notary in Iowa?
$30 to the Secretary of State.[1]
Do I need a bond or a class to renew my Iowa notary?
Iowa's notary chapter (Iowa Code 9B) lists no bond, course or exam for reappointment.[1]
How long is an Iowa notary commission?
3 years.[1]