Becoming a notary public in Michigan is more approachable than many people expect.
There’s no exam to study for and no mandatory training course to complete. The process mainly involves meeting Michigan’s eligibility requirements, getting a $10,000 surety bond, filing with your county clerk, and submitting your application to the Michigan Department of State.
Quick Answer
To become a Michigan notary:
- Meet the eligibility requirements.
- Complete the notary application.
- Get a $10,000 surety bond.
- File your bond and application with your county clerk.
- Take your oath.
- Submit your application to the state.
- Receive your commission.
Key Takeaway: The process is straightforward when you complete each step in the correct order.
What Does a Notary Public Do?
A notary public serves as an impartial witness to certain document signings.
A notary generally:
- Verifies the identity of the signer
- Confirms the signer is acting willingly
- Witnesses signatures
- Administers oaths and affirmations
- Completes the required notarial certificate
Notaries commonly handle documents involving:
- Real estate
- Mortgages
- Affidavits
- Powers of attorney
- Business documents
- Estate planning
What a Notary Is Not
A notary is not automatically a lawyer.
Unless separately licensed as an attorney, a notary cannot:
- Give legal advice
- Draft legal documents
- Explain the meaning of legal documents
- Tell someone what they should sign
A notary confirms the identity and performs the authorized notarial act. They do not confirm that a document is accurate, fair, or legally sound.
Tip: If a signer needs legal advice, refer them to a qualified attorney.
Michigan Notary Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet Michigan’s requirements.
Age
You must be at least 18 years old.
Residency or Business
You must either:
- Be a Michigan resident, or
- Maintain a place of business in Michigan.
You also need to meet Michigan’s county requirement for the county where you’re seeking appointment.
Citizenship or Legal Presence
You must be a U.S. citizen or provide proof of legal presence in the United States.
English
You must be able to read and write in English.
Incarceration
You cannot currently be serving a term of imprisonment in a state, county, or federal correctional facility.
Criminal History
Michigan has specific restrictions involving felony and misdemeanor convictions.
Applicants must generally be free of felony convictions within the applicable 10-year period, including completion of imprisonment, parole, probation, and payment of applicable fines and costs.
Certain misdemeanor convictions involving violations of the Michigan Notary Public Act can also affect eligibility.
Important: Review your eligibility carefully before paying for your bond or submitting your application.
What You Need Before Applying
Preparing everything beforehand can make the process much easier.
Notary Application Checklist
☐ Government-issued ID
☐ Full legal name
☐ Current address
☐ County information
☐ Date of birth
☐ Contact information
☐ Commission name
☐ Commission signature
☐ $10,000 surety bond
☐ Required filing fees
Choose Your Commission Name Carefully
Your commissioned name is important because it becomes the official name associated with your notarial work.
Your commission signature also needs to be consistent with your official notary records.
Tip: Decide on your official notary name and signature before completing the application.
How to Become a Notary in Michigan
The process can be broken into five main steps.
Step 1: Complete the Notary Application
Complete the Michigan Notary Public Application carefully.
Pay close attention to:
- Your legal name
- Address
- County
- Date of birth
- Commission name
- Commission signature
An incomplete or incorrect application can cause delays.
Tip: Review every field before submitting the application.
Step 2: Get a $10,000 Surety Bond
Michigan requires most applicants to obtain a $10,000 surety bond.
You purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or bonding provider.
You do not pay $10,000 upfront. Instead, you pay a much smaller premium for the bond.
The cost can vary depending on the provider.
Important: The surety bond protects the public. It is not personal insurance for the notary.
Step 3: File With Your County Clerk
Take your:
- Completed application
- $10,000 surety bond
- Required identification
- County filing fee
to the appropriate county clerk’s office.
This step must be completed in person because the clerk administers your oath.
The clerk will process the bond, administer your oath, and complete the required portion of the application.
Tip: Check your county clerk’s current hours, fee, and document requirements before visiting.
Step 4: Submit Your Application to the State
After completing the county clerk step, submit your application to the Michigan Department of State.
You can submit it:
Online: Through the state’s online system.
By Mail: Send the completed application and required processing fee to the Department of State.
The state processing fee is $10.
Key Takeaway: You can submit the state portion online, but the county clerk portion still requires an in-person visit.
Step 5: Receive Your Commission
After your application is approved, you receive your Michigan notary commission.
Once your commission is active, you can begin performing authorized notarial acts.
Tip: Keep your commission information somewhere secure and record your expiration date immediately.
Understanding the $10,000 Surety Bond
The surety bond is one of the most misunderstood parts of the process.
Who Does the Bond Protect?
The bond protects the public, not the notary.
If a notary causes financial harm through misconduct, a claim may be made against the bond.
Do You Pay $10,000?
No.
The bond amount is $10,000, but you pay a much smaller premium to obtain the bond.
Does the Bond Protect You From Liability?
Not necessarily.
If the surety pays a valid claim because of your misconduct, you may have to reimburse the surety.
Attorney Exemption
Michigan attorneys may qualify for an exemption from the surety bond requirement under state law.
Key Takeaway: A $10,000 bond does not mean you need $10,000 in cash.
Notary Supplies You’ll Need
After receiving your commission, you’ll want a few basic supplies.
Notary Stamp or Seal
A notary stamp can make it easier to provide the required information clearly and consistently.
A self-inking stamp is a popular option because it is quick and easy to use.
Notary Journal
Michigan does not universally require a journal for every traditional notarization.
However, keeping a journal can provide a useful record of your notarial acts.
A journal may record:
- Date and time
- Signer information
- Document type
- Identification used
- Notarial act performed
- Fee charged
Other Useful Supplies
You may also want:
- Notary certificates
- Secure storage
- Extra ink
- Pens
- Document folders
Tip: Keep your stamp, journal, and other notary materials secure when they aren’t being used.
What Can a Michigan Notary Do?
A Michigan notary has statewide authority.
Authorized notarial work can include:
- Taking acknowledgments
- Administering oaths
- Administering affirmations
- Witnessing or attesting signatures
Michigan notaries can perform authorized acts throughout the state.
Tip: Always check the notarial certificate before completing the notarization.
What Can a Michigan Notary NOT Do?
There are important limits on a notary’s authority.
A notary generally cannot:
- Notarize their own signature
- Give legal advice
- Draft legal documents unless otherwise authorized
- Explain legal documents to a signer
- Perform prohibited acts involving conflicts of interest
- Certify a document as a true copy when Michigan law does not authorize the notary to do so
A notary also needs to follow Michigan’s rules regarding family members and conflicts of interest.
Important: When you’re unsure whether an act is permitted, check Michigan’s current notary law before proceeding.
Can Michigan Notaries Perform Remote Online Notarization?
Yes. Michigan permits remote online notarization (RON).
However, RON is not a completely separate entry-level notary path.
You generally need an active traditional notary commission first and must then follow Michigan’s requirements for electronic and remote notarization.
RON uses technology such as:
- Audio-video communication
- Identity verification
- Electronic signatures
- Electronic notarial records
- Secure document handling
Tip: Check the state’s current RON requirements before choosing a platform or performing your first remote notarization.
How Much Can a Michigan Notary Charge?
Michigan law limits the amount a notary can charge for a notarial act.
A notary can generally charge up to $10 per notarial act.
A separate travel fee may be agreed upon when the notary travels to the client.
Example
If a client requires multiple separate notarial acts, the applicable fee can be charged for each act within the legal limits.
Travel charges are separate from the statutory notarial-act fee when properly agreed upon.
Important: Check the current Michigan statute before setting your fee schedule.
How Long Does a Michigan Notary Commission Last?
A Michigan notary commission generally lasts six to seven years.
The commission expires on the notary’s birthday.
Your exact expiration date is shown on your commission information.
Renewal
Michigan does not automatically renew notary commissions.
You are responsible for starting the renewal process before your commission expires.
You can generally apply for a new commission no more than 60 days before expiration.
Tip: Add your commission expiration date to your calendar several months in advance.
Common Michigan Notary Mistakes
❌ Assuming an Exam Is Required
Michigan does not require a general written notary exam.
❌ Assuming Training Is Mandatory
Training can be useful, but it is not generally required to become a Michigan notary.
❌ Forgetting the Surety Bond
Most applicants need the $10,000 surety bond before completing the county filing.
❌ Trying to Complete Everything Online
The state portion can be submitted online, but the county clerk step requires an in-person oath.
❌ Choosing the Wrong Commission Name
Your commissioned name and signature are important. Review them carefully before submitting the application.
❌ Assuming You Can Certify Any Copy
Michigan notaries cannot simply certify documents as true copies whenever requested.
❌ Forgetting Your Expiration Date
There is no automatic renewal.
Key Takeaway: Following the official process in order prevents most avoidable mistakes.
Becoming a Remote Online Notary
RON can be an additional option after you become a commissioned Michigan notary.
You Need an Active Commission
You generally need to hold an active traditional commission before performing remote online notarizations.
Follow Michigan’s RON Rules
Before performing electronic or remote notarizations, follow the state’s registration and technology requirements.
Use an Approved System
RON must be performed using technology that meets Michigan’s requirements.
Keep Required Records
Remote electronic notarizations have additional recordkeeping requirements.
Why Do Notaries Choose RON?
RON can allow notaries to work with clients remotely instead of requiring an in-person meeting.
Tip: Treat RON as an additional service, not a shortcut around the standard notary requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Michigan?
Your total cost depends on your bond provider and the supplies you purchase.
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | Varies by provider |
| County filing | Generally around $10 |
| State processing | $10 |
| Notary stamp | Varies |
| Journal | Varies |
| Other supplies | Optional |
Your total startup cost can therefore vary from one applicant to another.
Tip: Confirm current fees with your county clerk and the Michigan Department of State before budgeting.
Michigan Notary Checklist 📋
Use this quick checklist before submitting your application:
☐ Confirm eligibility
☐ Complete the application
☐ Choose your commissioned name
☐ Prepare your signature
☐ Purchase the $10,000 surety bond
☐ Visit the county clerk
☐ File the bond
☐ Take your oath
☐ Pay the county fee
☐ Submit the application to the state
☐ Pay the $10 processing fee
☐ Receive your commission
☐ Record your expiration date
Key Takeaway: Save this checklist and complete each item one at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Michigan require a notary exam?
No. Michigan does not require applicants to pass a general written notary exam.
Is notary training required in Michigan?
No. Training can be helpful, but it is not generally a legal requirement for obtaining a commission.
How much does a Michigan notary bond cost?
The bond amount is $10,000, but the premium you pay is much lower and varies by provider.
How much is the Michigan notary application fee?
The state processing fee is $10. Your county clerk may also charge a filing fee.
Can I apply entirely online?
No. Although the state application can be submitted online, the county clerk portion requires an in-person visit and oath.
Do I need a notary stamp?
Michigan does not universally require a traditional rubber stamp or embossed seal, although stamps are commonly used by notaries.
How much can a Michigan notary charge?
A notary can generally charge up to $10 per notarial act, subject to Michigan’s current law.
Can a Michigan notary notarize anywhere in the state?
Yes. A commissioned Michigan notary has statewide authority to perform authorized notarial acts.
Can I notarize for a family member?
Michigan law places restrictions on notarizing for certain family members and situations involving a conflict of interest.
Can Michigan notaries certify copies?
Michigan notaries cannot generally certify a document as a true copy simply because a customer requests it.
Can I become a remote online notary?
Yes. Michigan allows remote online notarization, subject to additional requirements.
When should I renew my commission?
You can generally apply for a new commission no more than 60 days before your current commission expires.
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to start the renewal process.
Conclusion
Becoming a notary public in Michigan is a relatively straightforward process.
The main steps are:
- Meet the eligibility requirements.
- Complete the application.
- Get your $10,000 surety bond.
- Visit your county clerk.
- Take your oath.
- Submit your application to the state.
- Receive your commission.
Once commissioned, understand your responsibilities and legal limits.
Keep your notary records secure, track your expiration date, follow Michigan’s fee rules, and avoid providing legal advice unless you’re separately licensed to do so.
If you want to offer online services, you can explore remote online notarization after meeting Michigan’s additional requirements.
Bottom line: Follow the official process step by step, verify current requirements, and avoid relying on outdated online guides.
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