How to Become a Notary Public in Wisconsin (Get your Notary Commission)
To become a Notary in Wisconsin, you will need to follow these essential steps:
- Ensure that you meet the state’s eligibility requirements (outlined below).
- Successfully pass the Notary Tutorial Exam and obtain your certification.
- Acquire your mandatory $500 surety bond and official Notary seal.
- Complete the Wisconsin Notary Online Application.
- Forward your application, exam certificate, bond form, oath of office, and the $20 fee to the Notary Records Section of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions via email or regular mail.
- Upon approval of your application, you will receive notification from the Department of Financial Institutions.
- Consider obtaining Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, which is optional but strongly recommended.
- Explore further education opportunities or seek guidance from Notary experts for ongoing professional development (also optional but highly recommended).
By following these steps, you can successfully become a Notary in Wisconsin.
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What are the requirements to become a Notary in Wisconsin?
Below are Wisconin’s eligibility requirements. You must ensure that you meet them before proceeding.
- Be a United States resident aged 18 or older.
- Possess a minimum education level equivalent to eighth grade.
- Achieve a passing score of 90% or better on the notary exam within one year of application.
- Demonstrate compliance with Wisconsin Statutes regarding arrests and convictions.
For further details, consult the Wisconsin Notary Public Handbook or SoS Website.
Once you have your bond, seal, journal and commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in Wisconsin.
What does it cost to become a Notary in Wisconsin?
There is a $20 application fee. The prices for the required surety bond, official seal, and other necessary supplies will differ, depending on the supplier you select.
How long does it take to become a Notary in Wisconsin?
Generally, the approval process for becoming a Notary can be completed within two weeks after all necessary documents have been submitted. Opting to submit your application and payment online can expedite this process.
What is the validity period of a Wisconsin Notary commission?
In Wisconsin, a Notary commission is valid for four years. However, U.S. residents who are also licensed Wisconsin attorneys may be eligible for a permanent commission.
Is there a Test you have to take to become a Notary in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin mandates that prospective Notaries complete a tutorial and successfully pass an examination with a score of 90% or higher. The exam can be attempted multiple times until passed. After passing, you’ll receive a completion certificate, which must be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Required Notary Supplies in Wisconsin
Notaries in Wisconsin are required to use either an engraved official seal or a rubber stamp for notarization. This seal or stamp must include:
- The Notary’s commission name.
- The jurisdiction.
- Any additional information as mandated by the Department of Financial Institutions.
- Optionally, the commission expiration date.
When selecting your Notary seal or stamp, it’s important to consider the quality and durability offered by various vendors, including whether the seals come with a lifetime guarantee. The seal or stamp should not bleed to prevent document rejection due to smudging. For those using an embosser, an inked impression is necessary to ensure photocopy compliance.
Although Wisconsin does not require a journal for notarial acts, maintaining one is advised for record-keeping and liability protection. Store your journal securely to safeguard against unauthorized access.
Surety Bond and Insurance Information
A $500 surety bond is obligatory for Wisconsin Notaries, serving as a safeguard for the public against potential Notary misconduct. This bond can be acquired from insurance agencies authorized to issue surety bonds in the state. Should a claim be made against the bond, you may be responsible for reimbursing the bond amount paid out by the issuer.
Additionally, many Notaries opt for errors and omissions (E&O) insurance as an added layer of protection. This insurance covers legal expenses and awarded damages up to the chosen policy limit, offering peace of mind against claims of unintentional errors or allegations of misconduct.
Wisconsin Notary Public FAQs
Which office is responsible for Notary commissions?
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, based in Madison, WI, is tasked with the appointment of Notaries in the state.
What is the jurisdiction for notarization?
Notaries in Wisconsin are authorized to conduct notarizations throughout the state.
Who is eligible for notarization?
Notaries can provide services to any individual who meets the notarization criteria, including the necessity of appearing in person and providing valid identification. Notarizing your own signature, as well as any documents for your spouse or domestic partner, is prohibited to ensure impartiality. The state’s regulations bar Notaries from notarizing documents in which they or their spouse have a financial interest.
What are the fees Notaries can charge?
In Wisconsin, Notaries are allowed to charge up to $5 for each notarial act performed.
What steps should be taken for changes in address or name?
Should you move or change your name, the Department of Financial Institutions requires submission of the Notary Public Change of Address/Name/Seal form within 10 days post-change for address updates.
For name changes, it’s recommended to acquire a new seal reflecting your new name. The change must be officially recorded with the Department before performing notarizations under the new name, ensuring your notarial signature aligns with your seal’s name.
How do I renew my Notary commission?
Renewal of your Notary commission in Wisconsin follows the initial application process. A renewal notice, including a code, will be sent by the Department at least 30 days before your current commission expires.
Is Online Notary Legal in Wisconsin?
Certainly, as of May 2020, RON (Remote Online Notary) services became legally authorized in Wisconsin, thanks to the passage of WI Assembly Bill 293. This legislation grants online notaries in Wisconsin the ability to conduct notarial acts remotely via digital means. To do so, they are required to hold a traditional notary commission and enter into a contract with a RON technology provider.
Why Should You think about Becoming An Online Notary In Wisconsin
Becoming an Online Notary in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
Starting from May 1, 2020, Wisconsin Notaries Public gained the option to seek authorization for conducting remote online notarizations (RONs). To embark on your journey to becoming a remote Notary in Wisconsin, please adhere to the following steps:
- Maintain your current commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Select the state-approved RON technology provider(s) that you intend to utilize.
- Successfully finish all training materials furnished by your chosen RON vendor(s). You need to make sure that you are choosing a vendor that will communicate your completion to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
- Make sure that your chosen vendor has been registered with Wisconsin State (You can reach out to BlueNotary chat support in order to get this accomplished, just let them know you are from Wisconsin)
- Commence offering RON services.
Once you’re authorized to perform RON in Wisconsin and approved and familiar with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your states local Online Notary laws!
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 Much Can You Expect To Make as a Notary in Wisconsin?
As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to earn even more by taking on loan signings and other creative packages and invoicing clients outside of BlueNotary. It is possible to earn a very decent income – all from the comfort of your home office.
BlueNotary lets you bill your clients at your own rates. This makes your earnings very flexible depending on your ability to build a network.
How do I Start Notarizing Online in Wisconsin?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Notary Training Group. There you will find advice from other Wisconsin 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.
