How to Become a Notary in Wisconsin (2026 Guide)

Published February 26, 2023 · Updated May 19, 2026

Wisconsin requires a $500 surety bond, a state tutorial and exam (90% to pass), and a $20 application fee. The commission lasts 4 years and the maximum notary fee is $5 per act. Here is how to get started.

What does it take to be a notary in Wisconsin?

You must meet the following requirements to be a Wisconsin notary public:

• You must be a United States resident.
• You must be 18 years of age or older
• You must have at least an eighth-grade education.
• You need to get a 90% or higher score on the notary exam within one year of applying.
• You must be compliant with the state of Wisconsin Statutes in regard to arrests and convictions.

What disqualifies you from being a notary in Wisconsin?

If someone has been convicted of a crime involving lying or stealing, this may be used to show that the person is not truthful. A notary public must be a credible witness, which means that the person cannot have any convictions on their record. If the person has been convicted of such offenses, they may only be commissioned as a notary public if they are pardoned for the conviction.

How do I become a certified Notary Public in Wisconsin?

Here is the Wisconsin notary public application process:

• To become a notary public in Wisconsin, the notary applicant must thoroughly study and comprehend the obligations and criteria stipulated by the state’s notary law.
• Fill out the notary application. You can start it online, pay for it online, or print it out and fill it in by hand.
• Get a notary bond for at least $500
• Take the oath of office
• You need to have the notary exam certificate from the Wisconson Notary Public Tutorial
• Submit all forms to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions with the required $20 fee.
• Should your application be accepted, you’ll receive a notification from the Department of Financial Institutions.

Is notary training required to become a notary in Wisconsin?

Notaries in Wisconsin are required to take a tutorial training course to receive their Wisconsin notary public commission.

Is a notary exam required to become a notary in Wisconsin?

All Wisconsin Notaries must pass the final assessment exam with a minimum score of 90%. If unsuccessful on your first attempt, you can retake it as many times as necessary until successfully passing. Once passed, a certificate will be issued and need to be submitted electronically or by mail to the Department of Financial Institutions for registration.

Is a notary bond required to become a notary in Wisconsin?

Yes, all Wisconsin notaries must obtain a surety bond for $500. The bond ensures that any damages caused by negligence or misdeeds on the part of the notary will be paid for by an insurance company.

Is a notary errors and omissions insurance policy required to become a notary in Wisconsin?

No, while errors and omissions insurance is not required to become a notary in Wisconsin, it is highly recommended as any damages caused by negligence or misdeeds on the part of the notary will be covered by the policy.

Do I need to purchase a notary stamp in Wisconsin?

Yes, all Wisconsin notaries must purchase a notary stamp. This is an official seal that will be used for all documents that need to be notarized.

Do I need to purchase a notary journal in Wisconsin?

The state of Wisconsin does not require keeping a notary journal, but it is recommended. A journal can help protect you if a notarization you performed is questioned. Keep your journal in a safe place that is locked.

How much does it cost to become a notary in Wisconsin?

The application fee is $20.

The notary bond should cost about $20

As a Wisconsin notary, there are certain items you must acquire to complete your duties. The price of the necessary supplies will depend on what type of products you select. For instance, the average cost for a rubber stamp is between fifteen and twenty-five dollars, while the journal may range from ten to fifty dollars (depending on the brand). You should also budget for basic supplies like pens, sticky notes, and ink refills.

What notarial acts can a Wisconsin notary public perform?

Wisconsin law allows for the following notarial acts:

1. Take acknowledgments
2. Administer oaths or affirmations
3. Take verifications on oath or affirmation
4. Witness or attest signatures
5. Certify or attest copies
6. Take depositions
7. Note protests of negotiable instruments

Can I perform remote online notarizations in Wisconsin?

Yes, remote online notarizations are allowed in Wisconsin. However, the state has strict standards regarding which documents are permitted to be notarized for a remotely located individual. Unlike other states, Wisconsin does not require an additional application process to become a remote online notary, but the notary must follow specific requirements for each remote online notarization. This includes partnering with communication technology providers that allow the notary to perform notarial acts.

What is the length of a Wisconsin notary public commission?

The notary commission will last for four years. However, if you have been licensed to practice law in this state, then there is an opportunity to apply and receive a permanent notary public commission.

How do I renew my notary in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the process for renewal is identical to that of becoming a Notary. The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions will send you an alert to renewing notaries at least 30 days before your expiration date with a unique code.

How much can a Wisconsin notary public charge for performing notarial acts?

A Wisconsin notary may charge a maximum of $5 per notarial act. Travel fees for mobile notaries are not regulated by the state.

How do I become a notary signing agent in Wisconsin?

To become a notary signing agent in Wisconsin, you must first be an active commissioned notary public. You can then take certified signing agent training to learn about loan document terminology and other necessary protocol for conducting real estate signings. You will also need an E&O insurance policy and to register with signing services. Once you have the qualifications, you can start your business as a notary signing agent.

Is there a demand for notary signing agents in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin’s real estate market creates steady demand for signing agents, particularly in the Milwaukee and Madison metro areas.

How Much Can Wisconsin Notaries Charge?

Wisconsin sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act.

Can You Notarize for Family Members in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin prohibits notarizing for your spouse or domestic partner. You also cannot notarize any document in which you or your spouse have a direct beneficial interest.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

• Notarizing without authority — misdemeanor
• Fraud or forgery — felony charges
• Commission revocation — the Department of Financial Institutions can revoke your commission
• Civil liability — your $500 surety bond protects the public

Employer Obligations

• Your commission is personal — it cannot be controlled by your employer
• If you leave your job, your stamp goes with you
• Your employer cannot require you to skip proper procedures

How Wisconsin Compares to Neighboring States

Requirement	Wisconsin	Minnesota	Michigan	Iowa	Illinois
Bond	$500	None	$10,000	None	$5,000
Exam	No	No	No	No	No
Training	Tutorial	No	No	No	Yes
Term	4 years	5 years	6 years	3 years	4 years
Max Fee	$5	Reasonable	$10	$30	$5
RON	Yes	Pending	Yes	Yes	Yes

Wisconsin has the lowest bond ($500) in the Midwest. The $5 fee cap is also on the lower end. Minnesota and Iowa require no bond. Michigan has a 6-year term and $10 fee cap. Illinois recently added training requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin requires a tutorial and a 30-question exam with a 90% passing score.

Do I need a surety bond in Wisconsin?

Yes. A $500 surety bond is required.

How long does a Wisconsin notary commission last?

4 years.

Is a notary stamp required in Wisconsin?

Yes. All Wisconsin notaries must have an official seal.

Can Wisconsin notaries perform remote online notarizations?

Yes. Wisconsin permits RON.

How much can a Wisconsin notary charge?

The maximum fee is $5 per notarial act.