How to Become a Notary Public in Michigan
Michigan Notary Public Requirements
To become a Notary in Michigan, follow these steps:
- Ensure you meet all the qualifications outlined in Michigan state law.
- Obtain a $10,000 surety bond.
- Complete the Application for Notary Public Commission either online or on paper. It’s crucial to ensure that your name and address match your ID exactly to prevent processing delays.
- Visit your county clerk’s office to take your oath of office.
- Pay a $10 fee to file your bond with the county clerk.
- Pay the Department of State’s $10 processing fee, which is non-refundable. This can be completed online or by mail.
- Familiarize yourself with the Michigan Notary Public Act.
- Consider undergoing additional Notary training or seek guidance from trusted experts. While optional, it’s strongly recommended.
- Purchase a Notary stamp and journal, which are optional but strongly recommended.
- Consider obtaining E&O insurance, also optional but strongly recommended.
How much does it cost to become a Notary?
A non-refundable $10 processing fee is required and must be submitted along with your completed Notary application online or by mail. For mail-in applications, you must include the original completed application along with a $10 check or money order payable to “State of Michigan” to the Michigan Department of State Office of the Great Seal.
There is also a $10 fee for filing your surety bond (although that fee may be higher in some areas of the state). The cost of the bond and seal will vary based upon the vendor chosen. The NNA offers six-year surety bond coverage to Michigan Notaries for $50.
How long does it take to become a Notary in Michigan?
The process can take four to six weeks once you have purchased your bond and completed and submitted your application.
How long does a Michigan Notary commission last?
The 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, then your commission term will be six years from your birthday. If you were appointed after your birthday, then your commission term will be seven years from your birthday.
Requirements to be a Notary in Michigan
Wondering what it takes to become a Notary in the Great Lake State? Read on below.
Who can become a Michigan Notary?
To be eligible for a Notary commission in Michigan, applicants must satisfy the criteria below:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must reside in Michigan or maintain a principal place of business within the state.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or provide evidence of legal residency.
- If not a Michigan resident, must maintain a principal place of business in the county where the Notary commission is sought.
- Must have the ability to read and write in English.
- Must not have any felony convictions within the past 10 years. This period includes the time served for the felony, including any term of imprisonment, parole, or probation, and the payment of all associated fines, costs, and assessments.
- Must not have been convicted of two or more misdemeanor offenses related to violations of the Michigan Notary Public Act within a 12-month period while holding a commission, or three or more misdemeanor offenses related to violations of the Act within a five-year period, whether commissioned or not.
- Must have filed a surety bond of $10,000 with the county clerk where the Notary commission is sought and taken the oath of office as stipulated by the State Constitution. Michigan licensed attorneys are exempt from this requirement.
- Must affirm that all information provided on the application for a Michigan Notary Public Commission is accurate, that they have read the Michigan Notary Public Act, and that they commit to performing all notarial acts faithfully.
Furthermore, anyone currently serving a term of imprisonment in any state, county, or federal correctional facility is ineligible for appointment or service as a Notary Public.
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. Notary journals are however required for electronic online notarizations.
The quality and durability of Notary stamps can vary, so you may want to buy a seal that has a lifetime guarantee. Stamps should not bleed during or after use, as this can cause county officials to reject documents due to smudging. If you opt for an embosser, make sure you get an embosser inker to comply with state law.
Keeping a journal provides important proof that you performed your duties properly if you are ever named in a lawsuit or accused of negligence. If you do choose to use a journal the Michigan Notary Public Act requires those records to be kept for at least five years.
Do I need a surety bond?
Michigan requires a Notary Public to hold a $10,000 surety bond, which must be filed at the office of the county clerk (filing fees apply). The surety company must be licensed to do business in the state. If the Notary acts improperly or is negligent, and there are financial damages, the bond will cover those damages. The company that issued the bond may require the Notary to pay back any damages covered. If you are a licensed attorney in the state of Michigan, you are not required to file a bond.
Do I need insurance?
Insurance is not required for Michigan Notaries, although you have the option of purchasing a policy. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance helps protect the Notary. If you make an unintentional mistake or a false claim is filed against you, an E&O policy will cover your legal fees and awarded damages up to the coverage you select.
Michigan Notary Public FAQ’s
Which state office is in charge of Notary commissions?
The Michigan Department of State, located in Lansing, oversees the commissioning of Notaries Public in Michigan.
Where am I authorized to conduct notarizations?
Notaries in Michigan have the authority to perform notarial acts throughout the state.
For whom am I permitted to perform notarial acts?
Notaries can provide services to any individual who presents a legitimate request and complies with the notarization prerequisites, such as appearing in person and providing valid identification. Notarizing your own signature or conducting a notarization where there’s a conflict of interest is prohibited. Furthermore, notarizing for direct family members, including in-laws, stepsiblings, and half-siblings, is not allowed.
What steps should I take if my address or name changes?
Should your address (whether residential or business) or name change during your commission, promptly inform the Office of the Great Seal and submit a Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change form, free of charge.
How can I renew my Notary commission?
Notary commissions do not renew automatically. To continue without interruption, you must reapply and meet the state’s criteria within 60 days before your current commission expires.
How do I become an electronic Notary in Michigan?
To perform electronic notarizations, which involve digital documents and electronic signatures, start by obtaining or renewing your traditional Notary commission. Next, choose an electronic notarization platform approved by the state and complete the appropriate forms with information about your chosen platform. Once your details are recorded by the Department of State, you’re set to begin eNotarizations.
Is Online Notarization Legal in Michigan?
Since September 26, 2018, Michigan Notaries have the option to register for performing remote online notarizations. Following your commission, you can undertake the necessary steps to become an MI remote Notary.
Why become an Online Notary in Michigan?
The easiest way to offer convenient and secure service to your clients is by taking the next step: become an Online Notary. Offer faster booking and easier document completion! So what are you waiting for?
How do I Become An Online Notary in Michigan?
Once you have met all the requirements to become a traditional notary in Michigan, you can apply to become an online notary by:
- Have an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Select the primary RON vendor you plan to use. Easy, BlueNotary!
- File a Remote Online Notarization Application. You will need to include which RON platform you chose.
- Get written authorization from the Secretary of State to perform remote notarizations.
Once you’re certified to perform eNotarizations and approved on your platform, you’re good to go. Staying up to date with the latest laws is a best practice in Online Notarization as laws are changing quickly! Check out how to become a commissioned Notary below.
What are the requirements to be commissioned in Michigan?
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Be a Michigan resident or maintain a place of business in Michigan;
- Be a U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal presence;
- Be a resident of the county (or maintain a principal place of business) in which you request appointment;
- Read and write in the English language;
- Be free of any felony convictions within the past 10 years;
- Have not been convicted of 2 or more misdemeanor offenses involving a violation of the Michigan Notary Public Act within a 12-month period while commissioned, or 3 or more misdemeanor offenses involving a violation of this act within a 5-year period regardless of being commissioned;
- Have filed with the appropriate county clerk a proper surety bond in the amount of $10,000 and taken the oath of office as prescribed by the State Constitution;
- Sign a declaration that all information on application is correct, that you have read the Michigan Notary Public Act, and that you will perform all notarial acts faithfully.
- 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.
How do I Start?
As an online notary, you get to decide which platform to use for finding clients. Blue Notary is the best option for super simple onboarding. We even have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process. Want more? Try our Facebook group full of notaries!
Join the BlueNotary Free Notary Training Group in order to get advice from other Michigan notaries! They’ve been through the process and can answer all your questions!
