How to Become a Notary in the State of Michigan

Michigan notaries are appointed by the Michigan Department of State to serve the public as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents. A Michigan notary is authorized to take an acknowledgment, administer oaths and affirmations, and perform other notarial acts authorized by law.

To become a notary in Michigan, follow the steps listed below. Visit our website at https://www.michigannotarypublic.com to learn more about how to become a notary.

To become a Michigan notary, you must:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.
2. Be a resident or maintain a place of business in the state of Michigan.
3. Be a U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal presence.
4. Be a resident or maintain a place of business in the county in which you will apply.
5. Be able to read and write in English.
6. Not have had any felony convictions in the past ten years. If previously convicted of a felony, the ten-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.
7. Not have been convicted of two or more misdemeanor offenses involving a violation of the Michigan Notary Public Act within a twelve-month period while commissioned or three or more misdemeanor offenses within a five-year period regardless of being commissioned.
8. Not have served in the past ten years, or currently be serving, a term of imprisonment in any state, county, or federal correctional facility for a felony or misdemeanor offense committed in any state.

If you meet the above qualifications, follow the steps listed below to apply to become a notary in Michigan:

1. Purchase a $10,000 surety bond. The notary bond is required by law to protect the public from a notary’s mistakes.
2. Complete a notary application from the Michigan Department of State's website.
3. Visit your county clerk's office to pay the $10 to $20 filing fee, take your oath of office, and file your $10,000 surety bond.
4. Have the county clerk affix the county seal to the notary application and complete the “For County/Office Use Only” section of the notary application.
5. Submit the notary application and a $10 non-refundable processing fee to the Michigan Department of State.
6. Wait for your Michigan notary public commission certificate and card to be emailed to you by the Department of State.

How can I start the Michigan notary application process to become a Michigan notary?

You have two options to complete a notary application:

1. Online – Fill out a notary application on the Michigan Department of State’s website (processing time around two weeks).
2. Offline – Fill out a paper application. Click here to print and complete the notary application by hand (processing time four to six weeks).

Click here for step-by-step instruction on how to submit your Michigan notary application to the Department of State.

How do I renew my Michigan notary commission?

Renewing your Michigan notary commission requires you to take the same steps you did when you first applied to become a Michigan notary.

Follow the steps listed below to renew your Michigan notary commission:

1. Purchase a $10,000 surety bond. The notary bond is required by law to protect the public from notary’s mistakes.
2. Complete a notary application from the Michigan Department of State's website.
3. Visit your county clerk's office to pay the $10 to $20 filing fee, take your oath of office, and file your $10,000 surety bond.
4. Have the county clerk affix the county seal to the notary application and complete the “For County/Office Use Only” section of the notary application.
5. Submit the notary application and a $10 non-refundable processing fee to the Michigan Department of State.
6. Wait for your Michigan notary public commission certificate and card to be emailed to you by the Department of State.

How soon can I renew my Michigan notary commission before it expires?

You can renew your Michigan notary commission up to sixty days before your commission expiration date.

How much does it cost to become a Michigan Notary?

To become a Michigan notary, you must:

1. Purchase a $10,000 surety bond. The cost of the surety bond is $50. Click here to order the notary bond.
2. Pay a $10 to $20 filing fee to file your surety bond and take your oath of office at the county clerk’s office.
3. Pay a $10 non-refundable processing fee so the Michigan Department of State can process your notary application and issue you the Michigan notary public commission certificated and card.

You may also need to purchase a:

1. Michigan notary stamp. Click here to order.
2. Michigan notary journal to record the notarial acts you will perform. Click here to order.
3. Michigan errors and omissions insurance policy to protect yourself if you are sued for unintentional mistakes or if a false claim is filed against you as a notary. Click here to order.

How long does it take to become a commissioned notary in Michigan?

The time it takes to become a commissioned Michigan notary public depends on how you submit your application to the Michigan Department of State after you take the oath of office and file your notary bond at the county clerk’s office. If you choose to upload your notary application online, it will take two weeks. If you mail your paper notary application, it will take four to six weeks.

How long is a Michigan notary term of office?

The length of your notary term of office depends on your birthday and when you are appointed as a Michigan notary public. If the commission date is before your birthday, you will be issued a six-year term, and if the commission date is after your birth date, you will be issued a seven-year term.

Current Michigan notaries public can verify when their notary terms begin and end by looking at the effective and expiration dates on the Michigan notary public commission certificates or cards they were issued when their notary applications were approved.

To continue performing notarial acts as a Michigan notary after your current expiration date, you'll have to renew your notary commission before your notary term expires. Click here to verify your expiration date on the Department of State’s website.

Do I need to purchase a Michigan notary stamp?

The State of Michigan doesn't require a Michigan notary to use a notary stamp or an embosser. However, using a notary stamp or notary embosser provides proof to the document receiver that you are a licensed Michigan notary public. Click here to order a notary stamp.

Please note: The Michigan Department of State Office of the Great Seal states that notarized documents sent out of state may require an embossed notary seal.

Do I need a notary journal in Michigan?

A notary journal, sometimes called a notary record book, is not required in Michigan. However, if it is recommended that you keep a record of all notarial acts that you perform in case one is ever questioned in the future. If you choose to keep a notary journal, you are required to maintain all records of a notarial act for at least ten years.

How do I order a Michigan notary stamp and record book?

The American Association of Notaries sells quality notary stamps and notary supplies at a savings of up to 40% compared to notary supplies you may find elsewhere. Please visit our Michigan notary page to order your Michigan notary supplies. All our notary stamps and notary supplies come with a life-time replacement guarantee, are made in house, and are shipped in one business day once we receive a copy of your notary commission certificate or card.

How can I train to become a Michigan notary?

The Michigan Department of State has notary resources, a notary manual, and a notary public training video on its website. You can also read laws pertaining to Michigan notaries by clicking on this link.

Click here to learn more about how to become a notary in Michigan.