Becoming a Notary in Michigan requires applicants to complete the following steps:
- Meet all qualifications under Michigan state law.
- Get a $10,000 surety bond.
- Complete the Application for Notary Public Commission.
- Take your oath of office and file your bond.
- Submit your application and $10 processing fee online or by mail.
- Receive your commission card and wall certificate online.
About the Michigan Notary Process
A Michigan Notary commission is valid for six to seven years, ending on your birthday.
- If you were appointed before your birthday in that calendar year, your commission term will be six years from your birthday.
- If you were appointed after your birthday, your commission term will be seven years from your birthday.
Cost to Become an MI Notary
The cost of becoming a Michigan Notary Public ranges between $70 to $80 depending on where you purchase your six-year surety bond and which county clerk you visit.
| Expense |
Cost |
| $10,000 surety bond |
$50 |
| Bond filing fee and oath of office |
$10 - $20 |
| Application filing fee |
$10 |
| Total Cost |
$70 - $80 |
Commission Processing Time
Once you have purchased your bond and submitted your application, the process can take up to two weeks if you apply online or four to six weeks if you apply by mail.
Michigan Notary Public Requirements
Wondering what it takes to become a Notary in the Great Lake State? Read on below.
Eligibility
To qualify for a Notary commission in Michigan, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of or maintain a place of business in Michigan
- Be a U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal residence
- Be a resident of the county in which you request appointment (if you do not reside in Michigan, maintain a principal place of business in the county you request appointment)
- Be able to read and write English
- Be free of any felony convictions in the last 10 years (if previously convicted of a felony, the 10-year period includes completion of the sentence for that crime, any term of imprisonment, parole or probation, and payment of all fines, costs and assessments)
- Have not been convicted of two or more misdemeanor offenses involving a violation of the Michigan Notary Public Act within a 12-month period while commissioned, or three or more misdemeanor offenses involving a violation of this act within a five-year period regardless of being commissioned
- Have filed a surety bond in the amount of $10,000 with the appropriate county clerk and taken the oath of office as prescribed by the State Constitution (Michigan licensed attorneys are exempt)
- Have signed a declaration that all information on your application for a Michigan Notary Public Commission is correct, that you have read the Michigan Notary Public Act and that you will perform all notarial acts faithfully
In addition, any individual currently serving a term of imprisonment in any state, county or federal correctional facility is prohibited from being appointed or serving as a Notary Public.
Surety Bond
Michigan requires a Notary Public to hold a $10,000 surety bond from a surety company licensed to do business in the state.
Application
Complete the Application for Notary Public Commission and submit the form with the $10 processing fee online or by mail. Your name and address must match your ID exactly to avoid processing delays.
Oath of Office
Go to your county clerk to take your oath of office and file your bond.
Attorneys licensed in the state of Michigan are not required to file a bond.
Michigan Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a Michigan Notary? Read on below.
What state government office handles Notaries?
The Department of State, located in Lansing, MI, is responsible for commissioning Notaries Public in Michigan.
Office of the Great Seal
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
Is training or an exam required to become a Notary?
No exam or training is required, but the Michigan Department of State does require that every Notary read the Michigan Notary Public Act prior to performing as a Notary.
What kind of supplies will I need?
Using an official Notary seal and Notary journal is not required in Michigan, but using both tools is strongly recommended. If you’re performing electronic online notarizations, you must maintain a Notary journal.
If you choose to use a journal, the Michigan Notary Public Act requires those records to be kept for at least five years.
Where will I be able to notarize?
Michigan Notaries can perform notarizations anywhere within the state. When notarizing documents, include:
- Your name as it appears on your Notary Public certificate
- “Notary Public, State of Michigan, County of ____________ (name of county)”
- Commission expiration date
- Date of notarial act
- "Acting in the County of ____________ (county where the notarial act was performed)" if you notarize in a MI county other than the county of commissioning
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for any member of the public who makes a reasonable request and meets all requirements for notarization such as personally appearing before you and providing satisfactory proof of identity.
You cannot notarize your own signature or perform a notarization if you have a conflict of interest. You're also prohibited from performing notarial acts for a direct lineal ancestor or descendant family member, including in-laws, stepsiblings and half siblings.
How much can MI Notaries charge per notarization?
The Department of State authorizes Notaries to charge up to $10 per notarial act.
An additional travel fee may be charged but must be agreed upon between the Notary and signer in advance.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
If you change your address (residence or business) or name during your commission, notify the Office of the Great Seal immediately and submit a Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change form.
There is no fee to change your information.
How do I renew my Notary commission in Michigan?
Notary commissions are not automatically renewed, so you'll need to meet the state's requirements and reapply for a new commission.
If you don't have any gaps in your commission dates, you must renew within 60 days of your current expiration date.
How do I become an electronic Notary in Michigan?
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Michigan?
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Last updated: Jan 27, 2025