How to Become a Notary in Michigan (2026 Guide)

Published March 13, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026

Key Takeaways

No exam or training course required
$10,000 surety bond required (premium costs $30-$50)
Application fee: $10 + county filing fee (varies) | Commission term: 6-7 years
Processing time: 4-6 weeks after submitting paperwork
Must be 18+, a MI resident or business owner, and a US citizen or legal resident
Notary stamp not legally required, but recommended
Maximum fee: $10 per notarized document
RON (remote online notarization) available under PA 246

Michigan has one of the longest notary commission terms in the country (6-7 years) and no exam requirement. The main cost is the $10,000 surety bond. Here’s how the process works, from application to renewal.

Requirements

To become a notary public in Michigan, you must:

Be at least 18 years of age
Be a resident of Michigan or maintain a place of business in Michigan
Be a US citizen or possess proof of legal presence
Be a resident of (or have a principal place of business in) the county where you request your appointment
Be able to read and write English

Disqualifying Factors

You cannot become a Michigan notary if you:

Have any felony convictions within the past ten years
Have been found guilty of two misdemeanors under the Michigan Notary Public Act within 12 months, or three misdemeanors within five years, whether or not you are currently a commissioned notary

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Purchase Your $10,000 Surety Bond

Michigan requires a $10,000 surety bond before you apply. You purchase this from a bonding company or insurance agent. The premium typically costs $30-$50 for the full 6-7 year term.

The bond is an agreement between three parties: you (the notary), the public (protected by the bond), and the surety company. The bond protects the public, not you personally. If a claim is paid out, you are responsible for reimbursing the surety company.

Step 2: File with Your County Clerk

Bring your application and surety bond to your county clerk. Pay the county filing fee (varies by county) and take the oath of office administered by the clerk’s office.

Step 3: Submit Your Application to the State

Complete the notary application online or by mail. Upload or mail your final application and pay the $10 non-refundable filing fee. Processing takes 4-6 weeks.

Step 4: Read the Notary Public Act and Buy Supplies

Once approved, you must read the Michigan Notary Public Act (MCL Chapter 55). Purchase a notary stamp and a journal. See stamp requirements below.

How Much Does It Cost?

Item	Cost
$10,000 surety bond premium	$30-$50
State filing fee	$10
County filing fee	Varies (~$10)
Notary stamp (recommended)	$15-$25
Notary journal (recommended)	$10-$50
Total	$75-$145

How Much Can You Charge?

The Michigan Department of State allows notaries to charge up to $10 per notarized document under MCL 55.307. You may also charge for travel expenses, but this must be agreed upon with the signer in advance.

What Notarial Acts Can a Michigan Notary Perform?

Take acknowledgments
Administer oaths and affirmations
Take verifications upon oath or affirmation
Witness or attest signatures
Certify or attest copies
Note protests of negotiable instruments
Perform other acts authorized by MCL Chapter 55

Notary Stamp Requirements

Michigan does not legally require a notary stamp. However, most notaries use one because it provides clear identification and additional security. If you use a stamp, it must include your name exactly as it appears on your commission, the words “Notary Public,” “State of Michigan,” “County of [your county],” and your commission expiration date.

Can You Notarize for Family Members?

Michigan prohibits notarizing for immediate family members. You cannot notarize your own signature or documents for your immediate family. For non-immediate family, avoid notarizations where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.

Do You Need E&O Insurance?

Michigan does not require errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. However, E&O insurance protects you personally beyond what the surety bond covers. The bond protects the public; E&O protects you. Most Michigan notaries carry at least $10,000 in E&O coverage, especially those who work as signing agents.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

Performing a notarial act without a valid commission is a misdemeanor under MCL 55.301. Falsely certifying that a document was acknowledged or executed before you is a felony. A notary commission can be revoked for misconduct, failure to maintain the surety bond, or conviction of a felony.

Employer Obligations

An employer cannot require an employee to perform notarial acts outside the scope of their employment duties. An employer cannot hold or control an employee’s notary stamp, journal, or commission. The commission belongs to the individual notary, not the employer: even if the employer paid for the bond and supplies.

Renewal

Michigan notary commissions last 6-7 years (ending on your birthday). The renewal process is the same as the initial application: purchase a new bond, file with your county clerk, and submit your application. Apply before your commission expires to avoid a gap. Michigan does not have a formal grace period. You cannot notarize after your commission expires.

Electronic Notarization

Michigan allows electronic notarization (e-notarization). These are in-person notarial acts involving digital documents and electronic signatures. To become an e-notary, you need an active notary commission and must register with an approved electronic notarization platform from the state’s authorized vendor list. Complete the Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change form (existing notaries) or include your vendor selection on your application (new notaries).

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Michigan authorized remote online notarization under PA 246 (2020). Any notary with an active commission can register to perform RON. You must use a state-approved RON platform and comply with additional journal and recording requirements under MCL 55.286b. RON journals and audio/video recordings must be retained for at least 10 years.

Becoming a Signing Agent in Michigan

Michigan is not an attorney state for real estate closings, which makes it a strong market for notary signing agents. A signing agent is a notary who specializes in handling loan documents for real estate transactions: home purchases, refinances, and closing paperwork. Signing agents work with lenders, title companies, and signing services.

To succeed as a signing agent, you need specialized training beyond basic notary knowledge. Most signing agents also complete a background check, which many lenders require. See our guide to becoming a notary signing agent for training details.

Michigan’s $10,000 bond requirement is higher than neighboring states like Ohio ($0 bond) and Indiana ($0 bond), but lower than Louisiana’s $50,000. The 6-7 year commission term is one of the longest in the country, which keeps renewal costs low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Michigan?

No. Michigan does not require a notary exam or training course. However, you should familiarize yourself with notarial procedures and the Michigan Notary Public Act before performing notarizations.

How much does a Michigan notary bond cost?

The bond amount is $10,000, but you only pay a premium to the bonding company: typically $30-$50 for the entire 6-7 year term.

Is a notary stamp required in Michigan?

No, notary stamps are not legally required. However, a stamp-type seal provides additional security and makes it easier to identify documents you have notarized. Most Michigan notaries use one.

Does Michigan require a notary journal?

No, Michigan does not require a journal for traditional notarizations. However, a journal is required for remote online notarizations (RON), and it is recommended for all notaries to maintain an audit trail.

How long does a Michigan notary commission last?

6-7 years. The commission ends on your birthday, not less than 6 or more than 7 years from your appointment date. This is one of the longest commission terms in the country.

How long does it take to become a notary in Michigan?

After you submit your application and bond, processing takes about 4-6 weeks.

How Michigan Compares to Neighboring States

Requirement	Michigan	Ohio	Indiana	Wisconsin
Bond	$10,000	None	$25,000	$500
Exam	No	Yes	Yes (80%)	No
Training	No	3 hours	Yes	No
Term	6 years	5 years	8 years	4 years
RON	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Michigan offers a 6-year term, the longest in the Great Lakes region after Indiana’s 8 years. No exam or training required. Indiana overhauled requirements in May 2026. Wisconsin has the lowest bond at $500.

How to Become a Notary in Michigan (2026 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Requirements

Disqualifying Factors

Step-by-Step Application Process