1.1 Qualifications and Notarial Acts
Key Takeaways
- Must be 18 and Montana resident
- Complete 4-hour education course
- Pass 50-question exam with 80%
- Obtain $25,000 surety bond
- Standard notarial acts authorized
Last updated: January 2026
Qualifications
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Montana resident |
| Education | 4-hour approved course |
| Exam | Pass with 80% (free) |
| Bond | $25,000 surety bond |
| Fee | $25 application |
| Term | 4 years |
Notarial Acts
Montana notaries may perform:
- Acknowledgments
- Oaths and affirmations
- Jurats (verifications)
- Copy certifications
- Signature witnessing
Application Process
- Complete 4-hour education
- Pass exam (within 6 months of education)
- Apply via SOS Online Portal
- Obtain $25,000 bond
- Upload documents (training cert, exam cert, bond)
- Pay $25 fee
- Receive commission
Prohibited Acts
| Prohibited | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Self-notarization | Commission revocation |
| Financial interest | Disqualification |
| Legal advice | Unauthorized practice of law |
On the Exam
- Education first: Complete 4 hours before exam
- Free exam: Administered by Secretary of State
- Bond: $25,000 for 4-year term
Exam Focus
For Qualifications and Notarial Acts, tie every act to identity, willingness, awareness, certificate wording, and recordkeeping. Notary exam questions often describe a signer, document, and request, then ask whether the notary may proceed. Check whether the signer personally appears, presents acceptable identification or credible witness proof, understands the transaction, and signs voluntarily. Also watch for the difference between acknowledgments, jurats, copy certifications, oaths, and affirmations. The safest answer is usually the one that refuses shortcuts and preserves an accurate journal and certificate.
Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of education are required for Montana notaries?
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