How to Become a Notary Public in Minnesota
To become a Notary Public in Minnesota, follow these essential steps:
- Ensure Eligibility: Verify that you meet all the qualifications specified in Minnesota state law (see below for details).
- Complete Application: Fill out the Notary Commission Application.
- Submission: Mail the completed application along with a check or money order for the $120 application fee to the Secretary of State.
- Register Commission: Once you receive your commission certificate by mail, it’s crucial to register it with your county of residence and pay the $20 recording fee. Failure to do so may result in civil penalty fees.
- Obtain Notary Supplies: Acquire the necessary Notary stamp and other essential supplies.
- Consider E&O Insurance: While optional, obtaining errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is strongly recommended. This can provide valuable financial protection.
- Ongoing Education: Optional but highly recommended, consider pursuing continuing education or seek guidance from experienced Notary experts to enhance your skills and knowledge in the field.
Once you have your bond, seal, journal and commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in Minnesota.
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What are the requirements to become a Notary in Minnesota?
To be eligible for a Notary position in Minnesota, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Residency: You must be a resident of Minnesota or one of the neighboring counties in Iowa (IA), North Dakota (ND), South Dakota (SD), or Wisconsin (WI). Additionally, you must specify the Minnesota County in which you intend to file upon receiving your Notary commission.
For further details, consult the Minnesota Notary Public Commission Guide or the Minnesota SoS Website.
How much does it cost to become a Notary Public in Minnesota?
When applying for a Notary commission in Minnesota, there’s a $120 non-refundable fee. Upon receiving your commission certificate, registering with your county incurs a $20 fee. Checks or money orders for mail submissions should be made out to the Office of the Secretary of State. Seal and supply costs vary by vendor.
How long does it take to become a Notary Public in Minnesota?
Obtaining a Notary Public commission in Minnesota typically takes two to four weeks, influenced by your promptness and processing times for your application and certificate delivery.
How long does a Minnesota Notary commission last for?
A Minnesota Notary commission is valid for five years, requiring renewal for continued service.
Do you have to take a class as a notary or pass an exam?
Minnesota does not mandate training or an exam for Notary applicants, though resources for Notary education and supplies are available through recommended organizations.
What supplies are necessary for Minnesota Notaries?
A Notary must have an inked stamp including the state seal, your commission name, “Notary Public,” and your commission expiration date. Choose high-quality seals to avoid document rejection due to ink smudging. If using an embosser, an inker ensuring photocopy-able impressions is required. Consider a second seal to mitigate work interruptions. While a journal isn’t mandated, it’s advised for record-keeping.
Are Minnesota Notaries Required to have a Surety Bond or Insurance?
Minnesota doesn’t require a surety bond. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, though optional, is recommended to safeguard against legal fees and damages from unintentional errors or false claims.
Minnesota Notary Public FAQ’s
What state government office is in charge of Minnesota Notaries?
In Minnesota, the Secretary of State’s office in St. Paul oversees the commissioning of Notaries Public.
Where are Minnesota notaries able to perform notarizations?
Notaries in Minnesota are authorized to conduct notarizations throughout the state.
Who can I notarize for?
Notaries can serve any individual who fulfills the requirements for notarization, such as presenting themselves in person and providing valid identification. Notarizing one’s own signature or notarizing in situations where there is a conflict of interest is prohibited.
What do I do as a Notary if my name or address changes?
Notaries must report any changes in their name or address to the Secretary of State within 30 days. Address updates can be made online, with a new commission certificate printed and re-registered in the new county along with the applicable recording fee. For name changes, submit a new application indicating the change, along with relevant proof (such as a marriage certificate or court document), by mail. A new stamp is required, though there is no fee for processing a name change.
How do I renew my commission as a Minnesota Notary?
Notary commissions in Minnesota last five years, expiring on January 31 of the fifth year. Renewals can be processed online or by mail from August 1 through January 31.
Are Online Notaries Legal in Minnesota?
Indeed, Senate File 893 was enacted and became effective on January 1, 2019. This move positioned Minnesota as the seventh state in the nation to embrace remote online notarizations. Under this new legislation, remote Notaries are empowered to execute notarial acts for individuals located anywhere, provided that the Notary is physically present within the state at the moment of notarization.
Why Should You Think about Becoming An Online Notary In Minnesota?
Becoming an Online Notary in Minnesota is a simple way to offer convenient services and secure services to clients from wherever you are. Online Notaries offer faster booking and easier document completion turnaround times! Save clients and yourself time by working from home. What are you waiting for?
How Do You Become An Online Notary In Minnesota?
“Guide to Becoming a Remote Online Notary in Minnesota
Starting from January 1, 2019, Minnesota has allowed Notaries to register for remote online notarizations (RONs). To become a remote Notary in the state of Minnesota, follow these steps:
- Maintain your current commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Enter into an agreement with a RON technology provider.
- Complete the Remote Online Notarization Authorization form.
- Submit your application to the Minnesota Secretary of State via mail.
- Await an email notification from the Secretary of State authorizing you to perform remote online notarizations.
In This Guide: Minnesota RON Requirements | Understanding RON in Minnesota | Additional FAQs”
Minnesota Online Notary FAQ’s
Are Training or Exams Mandatory for Becoming a Remote Notary in Minnesota?
No, there is no mandatory training or examination requirement in Minnesota’s remote Notary registration process. However, if you feel the need for additional guidance, the Secretary of State offers training resources on its website. Additionally, your chosen RON provider will typically offer training on its platform.
What Technology and Supplies Are Necessary for Conducting Remote Online Notarizations?
Minnesota remote Notaries must possess a computer, webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection. While the MN Secretary of State does not endorse specific RON providers, they do list options like BlueNotary as an end-to-end remote notarization solutions.
You will also need to obtain an electronic seal, an electronic journal, and a digital certificate containing your electronic signature. It’s crucial to ensure these components comply with your chosen RON provider’s system. These are all provided free by BlueNotary.
Is a Surety Bond Required for Remote Notaries?
No, remote Notaries in Minnesota do not need a surety bond to conduct online notarizations.
Is Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance Mandatory in Minnesota?
While an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Mistakes can occur, and having an E&O policy can provide financial protection in such situations. These policies limit your financial liability in the event of errors or omissions on notarized documents.
What to Expect as a Notary?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally the busiest time is tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations. Did we mention there are over 1.25 billion notarizations performed annually?
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly notarized and witnessed. Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. The most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling, especially those that are doing it online.
How do I Start Notarizing Online in Minnesota?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Training Group. There you will find advice from other Minnesota notaries who’ve been through the process and can answer help answer your questions.
Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community. As an online notary, you get to decide which platform to use for finding clients.
BlueNotary is the best option for super simple onboarding and the independent notary looking to grow their own business. We even have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process.
