Michigan Notary Public Requirements & Application Overview
Michigan is one of the easiest states to become a notary public because no exam is required. The Michigan Department of State oversees the notary commission process, and applicants who meet a few straightforward eligibility requirements can be commissioned in as little as two to four weeks.
This guide walks you through every requirement, fee, and step so you can apply with confidence and start earning as a Michigan Notary Public in 2026.
Michigan Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Michigan resident or regularly employed in MI |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident |
| Criminal History | No felony convictions |
| Exam Required | No |
| Education Required | No (self-study recommended) |
| Surety Bond | $10,000 |
| Commission Term | 6-7 years |
| Application Fee | $10 |
| Maximum Notary Fee | $10 per notarial act |
Start Exploring Notary Resources
Looking for notary study materials and guides? Our free resources cover notary fundamentals for every state.
Eligibility Requirements in Detail
1. Age and Residency
To become a Michigan Notary Public you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Michigan resident or be regularly employed in Michigan
- Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident
Michigan does not require that you live and work in the same county. Your commission covers the entire state.
2. No Felony Convictions
Michigan law prohibits individuals with a felony conviction from holding a notary commission. Certain misdemeanor convictions involving fraud or dishonesty may also disqualify an applicant at the Secretary of State's discretion.
3. No Exam Required
Unlike states such as California, New York, and Colorado, Michigan does not administer a notary exam. However, studying Michigan notary law is highly recommended so you can perform notarial acts correctly and avoid liability.
4. No Mandatory Education
There is no pre-licensing education requirement in Michigan. That said, many new notaries choose to complete a voluntary training course through the National Notary Association or a similar provider to learn proper procedures.
Complete Fee Breakdown
Understanding every cost helps you budget before you apply.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Application Fee | $10 | Paid to the Michigan Department of State |
| Surety Bond | $50-$100/year | $10,000 bond; annual premium varies by provider |
| Notary Stamp/Seal | $15-$40 | Must meet Michigan specifications |
| Optional Journal | $15-$30 | Recommended but not required by law |
| Optional E&O Insurance | $50-$150/year | Errors and omissions coverage |
| Total Estimated Startup Cost | $90-$330 | Depends on optional items |
Maximum Notary Fee Schedule
Michigan sets a cap on what notaries may charge per act:
| Notarial Act | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $10 |
| Jurat (verification on oath/affirmation) | $10 |
| Certified copy | $10 |
| Oath or affirmation (without a signature) | $10 |
| Witnessing or attesting a signature | $10 |
Notaries may charge less than $10 per act, and many mobile notaries add a separate travel fee. The travel fee is not regulated by the state.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Obtain a Surety Bond
Before you apply, purchase a $10,000 surety bond from a licensed surety company. The bond protects the public if you make an error or commit misconduct. Annual premiums typically range from $50 to $100.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Submit your application to the Michigan Department of State. You can apply online through the Michigan Secretary of State website or by mail. The application asks for:
- Full legal name
- Residential address
- Date of birth
- County of residence
- Bond information (company name, bond number)
Step 3: Pay the $10 Filing Fee
The state filing fee is $10, payable online or by check when submitting a paper application.
Step 4: Receive Your Commission Certificate
After the Department of State processes your application, you will receive your Notary Commission Certificate by mail. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Step 5: File Your Commission with the County Clerk
Within 30 days of receiving your commission certificate, you must file it (along with your bond) with the county clerk in the county where you reside or maintain your principal place of business.
Step 6: Purchase Your Notary Seal/Stamp
Michigan law requires a notary seal or stamp that includes:
- Your name exactly as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public, State of Michigan"
- The words "County of [your county]"
- Your commission expiration date
Step 7: Begin Performing Notarial Acts
Once your commission is filed with the county clerk and you have your seal, you are authorized to notarize documents anywhere in the state of Michigan.
Michigan $10,000 Surety Bond Explained
The surety bond is one of the most important requirements. Here is what you need to know:
- Amount: $10,000
- Purpose: Protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary
- Annual Premium: Typically $50-$100 for applicants with good credit
- Bond Period: Must cover the full commission term (6-7 years)
- Where to Buy: Any licensed surety company; popular providers include NNA, Notary.net, and American Association of Notaries
If a claim is filed against your bond, the surety company pays the claimant and you must reimburse the surety. This is why errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is also recommended.
Electronic Notarization in Michigan
Michigan authorized electronic notarization (ENOT) under the Michigan Notary Public Act. Key points:
- Electronic notarization has been available since 2018
- Notaries can create electronic notarial certificates
- An electronic seal/stamp must meet state requirements
- Signers may use electronic signatures (not to be confused with remote notarization)
- Notaries performing electronic notarization must register with the Secretary of State
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Michigan also authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON), which allows you to notarize documents for signers who are not physically present:
- RON became effective under Michigan's updated Notary Public Act
- Must use an approved technology platform
- Audio-video communication required in real time
- Identity verification through knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or credential analysis
- Session recordings must be retained for 10 years
- Separate RON registration required with the Secretary of State
- Additional fees for RON platform access (varies by provider)
Journal Keeping in Michigan
Michigan does not require notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts by law. However, keeping a journal is strongly recommended by the National Notary Association and other industry groups because:
- It provides evidence of your actions if a notarization is questioned
- It creates a paper trail that can protect you in legal disputes
- It helps track your notarial activity for tax and business purposes
- It is considered a best practice in all 50 states
If you choose to keep a journal, each entry should include:
- Date and time of the notarial act
- Type of notarial act performed
- Description of the document
- Name of the signer
- Method of identification used
- Fee charged
Michigan-Specific Notary Rules
What Michigan Notaries Can Do
- Acknowledgments - Signer acknowledges voluntary signing
- Jurats - Signer swears content is true under oath
- Oaths and affirmations - Administer oaths without a written document
- Certified copies - Certify copies of certain non-vital records
- Signature witnessing - Witness a signature being made
What Michigan Notaries Cannot Do
- Notarize your own signature - Prohibited
- Notarize for family members with a financial interest in the document
- Provide legal advice - Even if you are also an attorney, you cannot provide legal advice in your capacity as a notary
- Certify vital records - Cannot certify birth, death, or marriage certificates
- Notarize incomplete documents - All blanks must be filled in
- Charge more than $10 per notarial act
How to Renew Your Michigan Notary Commission
Michigan notary commissions last 6-7 years, one of the longest terms in the country. To renew:
- Apply early - Submit your renewal application at least 30 days before expiration
- Obtain a new surety bond - Your bond must cover the new commission term
- Pay the $10 renewal fee - Same fee as the original application
- File with county clerk - File your new commission and bond within 30 days
- Purchase a new seal - Your seal must reflect the new expiration date
Your old commission expires on its stated date regardless of when you apply for renewal. There is no grace period, so plan ahead.
Study Timeline for New Michigan Notaries
Even though Michigan has no exam, studying the fundamentals protects you from costly mistakes.
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Michigan Notary Public Act overview | 2-3 |
| Week 1 | Types of notarial acts (acknowledgments, jurats) | 2-3 |
| Week 2 | Identification requirements and prohibited acts | 2-3 |
| Week 2 | Electronic notarization and RON rules | 2-3 |
| Week 3 | Fee schedule, journal best practices, seal requirements | 1-2 |
| Week 3 | Practice scenarios and common mistakes | 1-2 |
Total recommended self-study time: 10-16 hours
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Notarizing without proper ID - Always verify signer identity with acceptable government-issued photo ID
- Charging more than $10 per act - Michigan caps notary fees at $10
- Forgetting to file with the county clerk - You must file within 30 days or your commission is void
- Notarizing for yourself or family - Conflict of interest is prohibited
- Using an expired seal - Always check your commission expiration date
- Skipping the surety bond - Your commission cannot be issued without a valid bond
- Not keeping records - While not legally required, a journal protects you
2026 Michigan Notary Updates
For 2026, Michigan notaries should be aware of:
- Continued expansion of Remote Online Notarization platform options
- Updated guidance from the Michigan Department of State on electronic notarization
- Growing demand for mobile and RON notary services
- Increased focus on identity verification best practices
Start Your Michigan Notary Career Today
Becoming a Michigan Notary Public is straightforward, affordable, and opens the door to serving your community and earning additional income. With no exam required and a 6-7 year commission term, Michigan is one of the most accessible states for new notaries.
Our free resources include:
- Complete state-by-state notary guides
- Notary fundamentals and best practices
- AI-powered study assistance for notary concepts
- Tips for building a mobile notary business
Don't overpay for notary training courses when you can learn everything you need FREE.