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.
Kansas notary commission renewal in short
Because each term is a new commission, the steps are the same as the first time: qualify, file the oath and the $12,000 surety bond with the Secretary of State, and pay $10.[1] The law sets no first day to apply; send the application early enough that the new commission starts when the old one ends.[1]
A paper commission needs no course or exam. They are required only if you perform electronic or remote notarial acts.[1]
Kansas 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, Iowa notary renewal, Maryland notary renewal, Pennsylvania notary renewal, Oklahoma notary renewal, Washington notary renewal.
Kansas notary renewal requirements
This table is what Kansas Secretary of State and K.S.A. 53-5a01 et seq. say, read on 2026-11-15. Where they say nothing, the row says so instead of guessing.
| Commission term | 4 years.[1] (K.S.A. 53-5a22) |
|---|---|
| Earliest day to apply | The law sets no earliest day. Kansas does not renew a commission: you apply for a new one.[1] (K.S.A. 53-5a22(k)) |
| State fee | $10 application fee, the same as a first commission.[1] (K.S.A. 53-5a22) |
| Bond | A $12,000 surety bond (or its functional equivalent), filed with the Secretary of State with the application.[1] (K.S.A. 53-5a22) |
| Course to renew | Not for a paper commission; a course of study is required only to perform electronic or remote acts.[1] (K.S.A. 53-5a23) |
| Exam to renew | Not for a paper commission; an exam is required only to perform electronic or remote acts.[1] (K.S.A. 53-5a23) |
| Fingerprints or background check | Check with the Kansas Secretary of State. |
| Oath | You file the oath of office with the Secretary of State with your application.[1] (K.S.A. 53-5a22) |
| Seal or stamp | Check with the Kansas Secretary of State. |
| Journal | Check with the Kansas Secretary of State. |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Check with the Kansas Secretary of State. |
How to renew a Kansas notary commission, step by step
Kansas renewal is 3 steps, in this order.[1]
- Buy a new $12,000 surety bond.
- Sign the oath of office.
- Send a new commission application, the bond and the oath to the Secretary of State with $10.
You apply to Kansas Secretary of State yourself: Kansas notary page. The state decides the application and its timing.
If your Kansas commission already expired
A Kansas commission is not renewed automatically: you qualify again and apply for a new commission.[1]
After a lapse: course No (paper commission)[1]; exam No (paper commission)[1].
Name or address change during your commission
Check with the Kansas Secretary of State.
Electronic and remote online notarization: Remote notarization needs notice to the Secretary of State (fee up to $25), plus the course and exam.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew my Kansas notary commission?
Not as a renewal: Kansas commissions are not renewed automatically, so you apply for a new commission.[1]
How much does a Kansas notary commission cost?
$10 to the Secretary of State, plus the premium for a $12,000 bond.[1]
Do I need a course or exam to renew in Kansas?
Not for a paper commission. A course and exam apply only to electronic or remote acts.[1]