When Does Notary Commission Expire?

Posted on 25th August 2025

by AJ Bennetts

UK notary public commissions operate under fundamentally different rules than American notaries, creating frequent confusion about expiration dates and renewal requirements. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for clients using notarised documents internationally.
In England and Wales, notary public commissions do not expire in the traditional sense. Once appointed by the Court of Faculties of the Archbishop of Canterbury, notaries are qualified for life, unlike US notaries who serve fixed terms typically ranging from three to seven years.
However, UK notaries must obtain annual practicing certificates from the Faculty Office to actively practice. These certificates ensure continuing professional development, insurance coverage, conduct compliance, and regulatory oversight. Failure to renew practicing certificates prevents legal notarial practice.
This system occasionally confuses American institutions requiring UK notarised documents. Some US forms request commission expiration dates, leading to uncertainty. Experienced UK notaries address this by including statements such as “my commission expires with life” on documents destined for America.
The perpetual nature of UK notary commissions reflects the higher qualification standards and ongoing regulatory framework. UK notaries are typically qualified solicitors or barristers who complete extensive additional training, examinations, and continuing education requirements.
Annual practicing certificate renewal involves demonstrating continued competence, insurance coverage, client account management, and regulatory compliance. The Faculty Office maintains strict oversight, ensuring public protection and professional standards maintenance.
For international document users, this system provides greater security and continuity. UK notarised documents remain valid indefinitely, backed by lifelong professional qualifications and ongoing regulatory supervision. This contrasts with concerns about US notarised documents from expired commissions.
Our notary public team maintains current practicing certificates and provides ongoing verification services for international clients. We understand foreign requirements and ensure our notarisations meet global standards while addressing specific jurisdictional concerns about commission validity.
The robust UK notary system, combining lifetime appointment with annual renewal requirements, offers superior protection and reliability for international document authentication.

Posted in Notarial Blog