How to Become a Notary in Michigan 2026: Complete MI Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in Michigan

Michigan does not require an exam to become a notary public. The state has a straightforward application process through the Michigan Secretary of State. Michigan recently modernized its notary laws with the passage of the Michigan Notary Public Act (PA 246 of 2023), which took effect in January 2024, introducing significant updates including Remote Online Notarization.

Michigan Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become a Michigan Notary?

• No exam required - Simple application process
• 6-year commission - Long commission term reduces renewal hassles
• Affordable bond - $10,000 bond is reasonably priced
• RON authorized - Remote Online Notarization available since 2024
• Growing demand - Strong need throughout Michigan's diverse economy
• Flexible fees - No state-mandated maximum fees

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Step-by-Step: How to Become a Michigan Notary

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become a Michigan notary public, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a resident of Michigan OR be regularly employed in Michigan
• Be able to read and write English
• Not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving dishonesty within the past 10 years

Step 2: Obtain Your Surety Bond

Before applying, you must secure a surety bond:

Bond Requirements:

• Amount: $10,000
• Term: Must cover your entire commission period (6 years)
• Cost: Approximately $30-$75 for the 6-year term

Where to Purchase:

• Insurance agencies
• Surety bond companies
• Online notary supply vendors

Step 3: Complete the Notary Application

Apply online through the Michigan Secretary of State:

1. Visit the Michigan Secretary of State's online services
2. Create an account or log in
3. Complete the Notary Public Application
4. Upload your surety bond information
5. Pay the $10 application fee

Required Information:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number (last 4 digits)
• Home address (Michigan residence)
• Business/employer address (if applicable)
• Bond information

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

• Filing Fee: $10
• Payment can be made online during application submission
• Additional county recording fees may apply in some counties

Step 5: Await Processing

After submitting your application:

• Processing typically takes 1-3 weeks
• You will receive notification via email or mail
• Your commission certificate will be mailed to you

Step 6: Take the Oath of Office

Once your commission is approved:

• Take the oath of office before an authorized official
• This can be done at the county clerk's office
• File the oath with the county clerk
• Filing fee: Varies by county (typically $10-$15)

Step 7: Purchase Notary Supplies

After completing the oath, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Stamp (Required):

• Rubber ink stamp (required - embossers not acceptable alone)
• Must be rectangular
• Cost: $20-$50

Required Stamp Information:

• Your name exactly as commissioned
• "Notary Public, State of Michigan"
• County where you are commissioned (or "Acting in the County of ___")
• Commission expiration date
• "My commission expires [date]"

Notary Journal (Required under new law):

• Michigan now requires maintaining a journal
• Must record all notarial acts
• Cost: $15-$40

Michigan Notary Fees

Michigan does not set maximum notary fees by statute. Notaries may charge reasonable fees determined by market conditions.

Important Notes:

• Fees should be reasonable and disclosed upfront
• Many notaries charge higher fees for mobile/traveling services
• RON platform fees may be additional

Michigan-Specific Requirements

Seal/Stamp Requirements

Your Michigan notary stamp must meet specific requirements:

Format:

• Rubber ink stamp REQUIRED
• Embosser may be used as additional security but cannot be the only seal

Shape:

• Must be rectangular

Required Information:

• Your exact name as commissioned
• "Notary Public, State of Michigan"
• County of commission (or "Acting in the County of ___")
• Commission expiration date

Ink Color:

• Purple or black ink recommended for clarity

Journal Requirements (Mandatory)

Under the new Michigan Notary Public Act, all notaries must maintain a journal:

Required Journal Entries:

• Date and time of notarization
• Type of notarial act performed
• Document type being notarized
• Signer's name and address
• Identification method used
• Signature or mark of signer
• Fee charged

Journal Format:

• Bound paper journal OR
• Secure electronic journal

Retention:

• Must retain journals for at least 7 years after last entry

Identification Requirements

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Valid driver's license
• State-issued ID card
• Valid passport
• Other government-issued photo ID
• Personal knowledge (with specific documentation requirements)

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Michigan

Michigan authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON) under the Michigan Notary Public Act (PA 246 of 2023), effective January 2024.

Becoming a Michigan Remote Notary

To perform RON in Michigan:

1. Hold a valid Michigan notary commission in good standing
2. Register as a Remote Notary with the Secretary of State
3. Obtain additional surety bond coverage if required
4. Complete RON training through an approved provider
5. Select an approved technology platform
6. Comply with technology standards

RON Technology Requirements

• Reliable computer with webcam and microphone
• Stable high-speed internet connection
• Approved remote notarization platform
• Identity verification technology (knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis)
• Audio-visual recording capabilities

RON Training Requirements

Remote notaries should complete training covering:

• Michigan RON laws and regulations
• Technology platform operations
• Identity verification procedures
• Electronic record-keeping
• Security and fraud prevention

Types of RON Permitted

Michigan allows remote online notarization for:

• Acknowledgments
• Jurats
• Oaths and affirmations
• Verifications on oath or affirmation
• Most standard notarial acts

RON Recording Requirements

• Must record entire RON session (audio and video)
• Must retain recordings for at least 10 years
• Recordings must be stored securely

Total Cost to Become a Michigan Notary

For RON (additional):

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Renewing Your Michigan Commission

Michigan notary commissions are valid for 6 years.

Renewal Process:

• Begin renewal process before your commission expires
• Submit a new application
• Obtain a new surety bond
• Pay the $10 filing fee
• Take a new oath of office

Important Notes:

• If your commission expires, you cannot notarize until renewed
• New bond required for each commission term
• Update your stamp with new expiration date

Special Considerations

County of Commission

Michigan notaries are commissioned in a specific county but can notarize anywhere in the state:

• Your stamp may say "Acting in the County of ___"
• You fill in the county where you perform each notarization
• You're not limited to your home county

Criminal Background

Michigan law prohibits commission for those with:

• Felony conviction within past 10 years
• Crime involving dishonesty within past 10 years
• Certain disqualifying offenses

Attorney Notaries

Michigan attorneys can become notaries:

• Same application process as other applicants
• Same bond and fee requirements
• May use attorney status as additional identification method

Employer-Sponsored Notaries

If your employer sponsors your notary commission:

• Employer may pay for bond and supplies
• You retain personal liability for your acts
• Commission remains yours even if you change employers

Name or Address Changes

If your information changes during your commission:

• Notify the Secretary of State within 30 days
• Update your bond if necessary
• Obtain a new stamp with correct information

Start Your Michigan Notary Career Today

Michigan offers a straightforward path to becoming a notary public with no exam requirement. The 6-year commission term and reasonable bonding requirements make it accessible for most applicants. With the new Michigan Notary Public Act modernizing the profession and authorizing RON, Michigan notaries have expanded opportunities to serve clients both in-person and remotely.

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