Term of Office

A notary public takes office on the day the certificate of appointment is recorded in the office of the county clerk and serves until ten days after the expiration of the term of office of the judges of the superior court. 24 V.S.A. §441. Although rarely exercised, there is presumably an inherent right within the office of the judges of the superior court to revoke this appointment at any time.

Notaries taking office on February 1, 2003 will serve full four-year terms. The law then allows a ten-day grace period before a notary is automatically removed from office by law on February 10, 2007. There is no prohibition against reapplying for further terms, however. Reapplication is your responsibility; no notice will be sent to you to remind you of the renewal date.