How to Become a Notary in Montana (2026 Guide)

Q: Do I need a surety bond in Montana?

Yes. Montana requires a $25,000 surety bond — one of the highest in the country.

Published March 19, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026

Key Takeaways

50-question online exam required
$25,000 surety bond required (one of the highest in the US)
Application fee: $25 + training ($25-$60) | Commission term: 4 years
Notary stamp and journal both required
Maximum fee: $10 per notarial act
RON available with additional requirements
Must be a MT resident, employed in MT, or hold a MT professional license

50-question online exam required. Here’s how the process works.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old
Be a Montana resident, the spouse/dependent of military personnel in MT, maintain a registered business in MT, be regularly employed in MT, or hold a current MT professional license

Disqualifying Factors

Montana evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis. Criminal history and providing false information can disqualify you.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Complete Training and Pass the Exam

Take the 50-question online exam through the Montana Secretary of State. Training courses cost $25-$60 depending on the provider.

Step 2: Purchase Your $25,000 Surety Bond

Obtain a $25,000 surety bond from an authorized insurance company. This is one of the highest bond requirements in the country.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Mail your application, bond, training certificate, and $25 fee to the Secretary of State.

Step 4: Purchase Your Stamp and Journal

Both are required in Montana. Order them after approval.

How Much Does It Cost?

Item	Cost
Application fee	$25
Training course	$25-$60
$25,000 surety bond premium	~$70
Notary stamp (required)	$15-$25
Notary journal (required)	$10-$50
Total	$145-$230

How Much Can You Charge?

Montana allows notaries to charge $10 per notarial act. Additional fees are allowed for electronic/communication technology services. Optional travel fees must meet IRS regulations.

What Notarial Acts Can a Montana Notary Perform?

Take acknowledgments
Administer oaths and affirmations
Take verifications
Witness signatures
Certify copies
Protest negotiable instruments

Notary Stamp Requirements

Montana requires a notary stamp. All notarized documents must bear your official seal.

Can You Notarize for Family Members?

MT does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. Avoid notarizing documents where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

Montana can revoke your commission for misconduct. The 50-question exam and mandatory training show the state expects notary competence.

Do You Need E&O Insurance?

Not required, but strongly recommended given the $25,000 bond: E&O protects you personally beyond what the bond covers.

Renewal

4 years. You must retake the exam and purchase a new bond to renew.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Montana allows RON. Active notaries can apply to perform remote online notarizations with additional requirements, including approved communication technology and electronic record-keeping.

Becoming a Signing Agent

After receiving your commission, complete a signing agent certification program. Montana is not an attorney state for real estate closings.

Montana’s $25,000 bond is one of the highest in the country, tied with Alabama. Neighboring Wyoming requires training and an exam but no bond; North Dakota requires no bond; Idaho requires no bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Montana?

Yes. A 50-question online exam is required for all applicants, including renewals.

Do I need a surety bond in Montana?

Yes. Montana requires a $25,000 surety bond: one of the highest in the country.

How long does a Montana notary commission last?

4 years. You must retake the exam and get a new bond to renew.

Is a notary journal required in Montana?

Yes. All Montana notaries must keep a journal of every official act.

How much can a Montana notary charge?

$10 per notarial act, plus technology fees and optional travel fees meeting IRS regulations.

Can Montana notaries perform remote online notarizations?

Yes. Apply with additional requirements including approved communication technology.

Employer Obligations

Your notary commission is personal. It does not belong to your employer
If you leave your job, your stamp and commission go with you
Your employer cannot require you to skip proper notarization procedures
An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability