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How to Become a Notary in Minnesota

To become a notary in Minnesota, you must:

  1. Meet the eligibility requirements listed in the next section.
  2. Complete and mail the Notary Application to the Minnesota Secretary of State along with the $120.00 application filing fee.
  3. Upon approval, register your commission with your county of residence. The fee for recording your commission at the county is $20.
  4. Purchase a notary seal.

Note:

  • Failure to register with the notary’s resident county may result in a civil penalty fee imposed by the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce of Minnesota, who is responsible for the enforcement actions pertaining to a notary’s misconduct.
  • If the applicant answers “Yes” to any of the questions on page two of their notary application, the applicant must submit with the application a Criminal Background Check form and the documents indicating the charge, the disposition, and satisfactory completion of any sentence and/or probation.

Who can become a notary public in Minnesota?

To become a notary public in Minnesota, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Be a resident of Minnesota or a resident of a county in Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota and designate the Minnesota Secretary of State as your agent for service of process for all purposes relating to notarial acts and for receipt of all correspondence relating to notarial acts.

This Minnesota notary guide will help you understand:

  1. Who can become a notary in Minnesota.
  2. How to become a notary in Minnesota.
  3. How to become an electronic notary in Minnesota.
  4. How to become a remote online notary in Minnesota.
  5. The basic duties of a notary in Minnesota.
Apply Online Renew Online

How do I renew my notary commission in Minnesota?

The renewal period for a Minnesota notary public commission is between August 1 and January 1. Notaries can renew online or by mail. To renew online, follow the steps listed below:

  1. Create an online account on the Notary & Apostille website using your commission number.
  2. Review your residential and public address information. If needed, click on “edit” to update your address information.
  3. Answer the four questions pertaining to criminal acts, notary performance, licensure status and civil actions and click “submit.” NOTE: If you answered yes to any of the questions, you must file by mail.
  4. Click on “renew.” You will then be taken to the MAKE PAYMENT page and will see an order number specific to your renewal filing. Record the order number before continuing.
  5. Click “Continue to Make Payment.”
  6. After you complete the USBank payment process, you will receive a payment confirmation number by email from USBank. This will indicate the completion of the order.
  7. View and print your notary commission certificate by clicking on “download certificate” on your notary account page.
  8. Register your commission with your county of residence. The fee for recording your commission with the county is $20.
  9. Purchase a new notary stamp.

Important: If your notary commission has expired, you must complete a Notary Application and mail it to the Minnesota Secretary of State along with the $120 non-refundable fee.

Who appoints notaries in Minnesota?

Notaries public are appointed by the Minnesota Governor. The Minnesota Secretary of State processes all applications for appointment and reappointment, issues notary public commissions, and maintains the records relating to notaries.

Office of the Secretary of State
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
Retirement Systems of MN Building
St. Paul, MN 55103
Phone: 651-296-2803
Toll Free: 877-551-6767, Option 3
notary.sos@state.nm.us

Can a non-resident of Minnesota apply for a commission as a notary public?

Yes. A non-resident can become a Minnesota notary public if the applicant:

  1. Meets the same eligibility requirements as a Minnesota resident setting aside the residency requirement.
  2. Resides in Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota.
  3. Designates the Minnesota Secretary of State as their agent for service of process for all purposes relating to notarial acts, including the receipt of correspondence relating to notarial acts.
  4. Lists the Minnesota county in which their notary commission and signatures will be recorded.

How long is a notary public's commission term in Minnesota?

A Minnesota notary public holds office until January 31st of the fifth year following the year the commission was issued. Notaries cannot notarize documents after their notary commissions expire without first renewing their notary commissions.

Is notary training or an exam required to become a notary or to renew a notary commission in Minnesota?

No. A notary applicant seeking appointment or reappointment as a Minnesota notary public is not required to complete any notary training or pass a notary course or exam. However, the American Association of Notaries recommends that all Minnesota notary applicants take and complete a notary course so they can clearly understand their state’s notary laws and their duties and responsibilities as notaries.

How much does it cost to become a notary public in Minnesota?

The cost to become a notary in Minnesota includes:

  1. The $120 fee to process an application for appointment or reappointment.
  2. The $20 fee to register a notary’s commission at the county of residence.
  3. A notary stamp. Click here to view our stamp prices.
  4. A notary journal if a notary wishes to adhere to the recommendations of the Minnesota Secretary of State. Click here to view our notary journal prices.
  5. A notary errors and omissions insurance policy (optional) to protect yourself if you are sued for unintentional mistakes or if a false claim is filed against you.

Do I need a notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy to become a notary in Minnesota?

A notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is not required to become a Minnesota notary public or to renew your notary commission. However, the American Association of Notaries strongly recommends that every Minnesota notary obtain a notary E&O insurance policy. A notary E&O policy covers unintentional notarial mistakes and pays for legal fees and damages based on the coverage you select as a Minnesota notary public.

Do I need a notary bond to become a notary in Minnesota?

No.  New and renewing notary applicants are not required by the state notary statute to provide proof of notary bonds for appointment or reappointment as notaries public in the state of Minnesota.

A notary public is liable to any person for damages that result from their negligence, errors, or omissions. Minnesota notaries are encouraged to purchase a notary E&O insurance policy to insure themselves against unintentional mistakes.

Do I need to order a notary stamp in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota notary law requires all Minnesota notaries to obtain an official notarial stamp to authenticate all their official acts. The official notarial stamp must be of rectangular form, not more than ¾” of an inch vertically by 2 ½” inches horizontally with a serrated or milled edge border.

The official notarial stamp must contain the following elements:

  • The seal of the state of Minnesota.
  • The name of the notary as it appears on the commission.
  • The words “Notary Public.”
  • The words “My commission expires __(Date)__.”

In addition, the official notarial stamp must be:

  1. Able to be reproduced in any legibly reproducible manner.
  2. Capable of being copied together with the record to which it is affixed or attached or with which it is logically associated.

The American Association of Notaries offers quality notary stamps and seals at savings of up to 40%. Click here to order your Minnesota notary stamp, complete notary package, and other notary supplies.

What are the steps to replace a lost or stolen Minnesota notary seal?

To report your notary stamp lost or stolen, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-2803 or email notary.sos@state.nm.us.

How much can a Minnesota notary public charge for performing notarial acts?

The maximum allowable fees that a Minnesota notary public can charge for notarial acts are as follows:

  • For protest of nonpayment of note or bill of exchange or of nonacceptance of such bill, where protest is legally necessary, and copy thereof - $5.
  • For every other protest and copy - $5.
  • For making and serving every notice of nonpayment of note or nonacceptance of bill and copy thereof - $5.
  • For any affidavit or paper for which provision is not made herein - $5 per folio, and $1 per folio for copies.
  • For each oath administered - $5.
  • For acknowledgments of deeds and for other services authorized by law, the legal fees allowed other officers for like services.
  • For recording each instrument required by law to be recorded by the notary - $5 per folio.

Is a notary journal required in Minnesota?

Notary journal requirements for each type of notarization in Minnesota:

  • Traditional Notarizations – Minnesota law does not require a notary to maintain a notary journal to chronicle notarial acts they perform. However, the secretary of state recommends that all notaries maintain one. A notary journal can be maintained in a tangible medium or in an electronic format.
  • Electronic Notarizations (E-Notarizations) – Minnesota notaries performing e-notarizations are not required to chronicle notarial acts they perform; however, the Minnesota Secretary of State recommends that they do. A notary journal can be maintained in a tangible medium or in an electronic format.
  • Remote Online Notarizations – All remote online notarizations must be recorded in a secure electronic notary journal.

A notary journal (also known as a record book, log book, or register book) is your first line of defense in proving your innocence if a notarial act you performed is questioned or if you are requested to testify in a court of law about a notarial act you performed in the past. A properly recorded notarial act creates a paper trail that will help investigators locate and prosecute signers who have committed forgery or fraud. Properly recorded notarial acts provide evidence that you followed your state laws and notary’s best practices.


The American Association of Notaries offers notary journals in tangible and electronic formats.

Click here to purchase a tangible notary journal.

Click here to become a member and access our electronic notary journal.

What information must Minnesota notaries record in their notary journals?

For Traditional Notarizations and E-Notarizations – If you choose to maintain a notary journal, the secretary of state recommends that you record the following information:

  1. The date and time of the act.
  2. The type of act.
  3. A description of the document.
  4. The signature, printed name, and address of each signer.
  5. The method of identification used.
  6. The fee charged, if any.
  7. Circumstances for not completing a notarial act (if applicable).

For Remote Online Notarizations – Minnesota requires notaries performing remote online notarizations to chronicle the following information in their notary journals:

  1. The date and time of the notarization.
  2. The type of notarial act.
  3. The type, the title, or a description of the electronic document or proceeding.
  4. The printed name and address of each principal involved in the transaction or proceeding.
  5. Evidence of identity of each principal involved in the transaction or proceeding in the form of:
    • A statement that the person is personally known to the remote online notary public.
    • A notation of the type of identification document provided to the remote online notary public.
    • The following:
      • The printed name and address of each credible witness swearing to or affirming the person's identity.
      • For each credible witness not personally known to the remote online notary public, a description of the type of identification documents provided to the remote online notary public.
  6. The fee, if any, charged for the notarization.

What steps should I take if my Minnesota notary journal is lost or stolen?

Traditional notarizations and electronic notarizations - Since notary journals are optional for traditional and electronic (in person) notarizations, Minnesota notary laws do not address this question. We recommend you contact the appropriate law enforcement agency and the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Remote Online Notarizations – A remote online notary must immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and the commissioner of commerce of the loss, theft, or vandalism of their electronic journal.

How long should I retain my Minnesota notary journal?

Traditional notarizations and electronic notarizations – Minnesota notary laws do not address this question because notary journals are optional for traditional and electronic notarizations. We recommend that you keep the notary journal indefinitely.

Remote Online Notarizations – The electronic journal required for remote online notarizations must be maintained for at least ten years after the date of the transaction or proceeding.

Where can I perform notarial acts in Minnesota?

A Minnesota notary has statewide jurisdiction and may perform notarial acts in any county while physically present within the state boundaries of Minnesota.

What notarial acts can a Minnesota notary public perform?

A Minnesota notary public is authorized to perform the following notarial acts:

  • Taking an acknowledgement.
  • Administering an oath or affirmation.
  • Taking verification on oath or affirmation.
  • Witnessing or attesting a signature.
  • Certyfing or attesting a copy.
  • Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument.
  • Taking and certifying depositions.

What kind of notarizations are allowed in Minnesota?

Minnesota law allows for the following three types of notarizations:

Traditional notarizations – This type of notarization requires the signer and the notary to meet physically in the same room within face-to-face proximity of one another. Traditional notarization involves an individual signing a tangible document with an inked pen and a notary public signing and affixing an inked notary stamp impression to the tangible notarial certificate.

E-Notarizations (in person) - This type of notarization requires the signer and the electronic notary (eNotary) to meet physically in the same room within face-to-face proximity of one another. However, the notarization is performed on an electronic document using electronic signatures, an electronic notary seal, and an electronic notarial certificate.

Remote online notarizations – The signer appears remotely before an online notary via audio-visual communication technology. The notarization is performed on an electronic document using electronic signatures, an electronic notary seal, and an electronic notarial certificate.

What are the steps to become an electronic notary in Minnesota?

To become an eNotary in Minnesota you must:

  1. Be a current commissioned notary.
  2. Have the capability to notarize electronically.
  3. Complete an E-Notarization Authorization form.
  4. Mail the authorization form to the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Upon acceptance of your application, you will receive an e-notarization authorization certificate from the secretary of state’s office.

What are the steps to become a remote online notary in Minnesota?

To become a remote online notary in Minnesota you must:

  1. Hold an active Minnesota notary commission.
  2. Have filed your notary public commission in the county where you live and be able to, upon request, produce a receipt or copy of the filing.
  3. Complete a Remote Online Notarization Authorization form.
  4. Mail the authorization form to the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Upon approval of your application, the Minnesota Secretary of State will email you to inform you that you are authorized to perform remote online notarizations.

How do I update my address on my Minnesota notary commission?

Minnesota notaries are required to notify the secretary of state within thirty days of an address change. To update your address, you must log in to your account on the Notary & Apostille website. If your new address is in a different county, you will be required to re-register your commission with the new county.

How do I change my name on my notary commission in Minnesota?

If you lawfully change your name during your Minnesota notary commission term, you are required to notify the Minnesota Secretary of State within thirty days of the name change. To receive a new notary commission with your new name, you must:

  1. Complete and sign a notary application with your new name. No fee is required.
  2. Attach a copy of documentation that shows your new legal name to the notary application and mail it to the Minnesota Secretary of State. Documents you can use for this purpose include a copy of your driver’s license with your new name, a marriage certificate showing your old and new name, divorce documents, and other court documents.
  3. Register your new commission at your county of residence. Once your name change is approved.
  4. Purchase a notary seal with your new name.

Revised:

May 2024

Legal disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. We do not claim to be attorneys and we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss, or consequential loss, out of or in connection with the use of the information contained on any of the American Association of Notaries website pages. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their state’s notary authorities or attorneys if they have legal questions. 

Notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company, Universal Surety of America, or Surety Bonding Company of America, which are subsidiaries of CNA Surety.