Notary Requirements for Michigan: 2025 Updated

This guide details becoming a Michigan notary public and renewing a commission, based on official state sources as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, application, bond, tools, term, renewal, Remote Online Notarization (RON), and FAQs.

• Eligibility Requirements
• Application Process
• Surety Bond Requirements
• Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
• Oath of Office and Recording Procedures
• Commission Term and Expiration
• Renewal Process and Expiration
• Remote Online Notarization (RON)
• Official Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet these criteria:

• Age & Residency: At least 18 years old; Michigan resident OR maintain a place of business in Michigan (non-residents apply in county of MI business, provide ID and employer letter).

• Citizenship/Legal Status: U.S. citizen or have proof of legal presence in the U.S.

• County of Appointment: Live in (or have business in) the county of application.

• Literacy: Able to read and write English.

• Criminal Record: No felony conviction in the past 10 years. No two or more notary-related misdemeanors (12 months) or three+ (5 years).

• Bond & Oath: Obtain $10,000 surety bond and take oath at county clerk (licensed MI attorneys exempt from bond, still need oath).

• Truthfulness: Sign application declaration affirming correctness, having read MI Notary Public Act, and intent to perform duties faithfully.

• Not Incarcerated: Not currently serving a prison term.

Get a notary stamp that meets Michigan’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.

Order Michigan Notary Stamp

Application Process

Michigan’s process involves SOS and county clerk coordination.

1. Complete Application: Online via SOS Online Services (recommended) or paper PDF from SOS website. Print completed online form for next steps.

2. Obtain $10,000 Surety Bond: From an MI-authorized insurance/bonding company, covering the entire commission term (6-7 years). Cost ~$50-$100. (Attorneys exempt).

3. File Bond and Take Oath at County Clerk’s Office: Bring completed application and bond to your County Clerk. File bond, take oath of office, pay county filing fee (usually $10). Clerk signs/seals application, returns it to you.

4. Submit Application to State:

   • Online Upload (Recommended): Log in to SOS Online Services, upload completed, county-signed application. Pay $10.00 state processing fee online.

   • Mail: Mail application and $10.00 check/money order (to "State of Michigan") to MI Dept. of State, Office of the Great Seal, 7064 Crowner Blvd., Lansing, MI 48918. Non-residents include ID and employer letter.

5. Processing & Commission Confirmation: Online apps often processed in days; mail 2-6 weeks. SOS emails notification when commission ready. Official certificate/wallet card available via online MiLogin account for download/printing.

   • Do not notarize until the commission certificate is received and status is "Valid."

Surety Bond Requirements

Mandatory $10,000 surety bond for non-attorney applicants.

• Term: Covers full 6-7 year commission term (expiring on birthday).

• Provider/Cost: From MI-licensed insurer. Cost ~$50-$100.

• Filing: Original bond filed with county clerk during oath.

• Attorney Exemption: Licensed MI attorneys exempt.

• Purpose: Protects public; notary may reimburse surety for paid claims. E&O insurance optional for notary's protection.

Notary Seal and Journal Requirements

Notary Seal (Stamp):Not legally required in Michigan, but strongly recommended.

• If Used (Recommended): No specific design mandated. However, each notarized document must include:

  1. Notary’s name.

  2. “Notary Public, State of Michigan, County of [Commissioning County].”

  3. Commission expiration date.

  4. Date of notarization.

  5. If notarizing outside commissioning county: “Acting in the County of [Acting County].” A rubber stamp is the easiest way to ensure all this info is present and legible. An embosser alone is not acceptable (not reproducible on copies).

Notary Journal:

• Traditional Notarizations: Not required by Michigan law, but recommended as best practice.

• Remote Online Notarizations (RON): Notaries must maintain an electronic journal of all remote acts and retain it (and A/V recordings) for at least 10 years.

Oath of Office and Recording Procedures

Mandatory; taken at your county clerk’s office when filing your surety bond. The clerk administers the oath, and certifies your application (applies county seal/signature). This must occur before the state issues your commission.

Commission Term and Expiration

Term is 6-7 years, always expiring on the notary’s birthday. Expiration date on commission certificate. No automatic renewal.

Renewal Process and Expiration

No automatic renewal; reapply for new commission. No grace period for notarizing post-expiration.

1. When to Renew: Recommended 4-6 weeks before expiration. Can apply up to 60 days prior.

2. Process (same as new): Complete application, new $10k bond (unless attorney), county clerk oath/fee, submit to state with $10 fee.

3. Attorneys: DOS mails reappointment application ~90 days prior. Submit app, $10 fee, take oath; still bond-exempt.

4. Lapsed Commission: If expired, apply as new. Stop notarizing until a new commission is granted.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Michigan permits RON.

• Authorization: Must be active MI notary. No separate RON commission, but must use a state-approved RON platform and notify SOS of chosen vendors.

• Process: Notary verified signer ID via live two-way audio/video (platform tools or personal knowledge). Signer e-signs document. Notary applies e-notarial certificate and e-seal.

• Recordkeeping: Mandatory secure electronic journal of all remote acts. Retain e-journal and A/V recordings of RON sessions for at least 10 years.

• Venue: Notary must be in Michigan. Correct venue statement required.

Official Resources

• Michigan SOS – Notary Services: Michigan.gov/Notary (official portal, info, FAQs, online services).

• Notary Application (Online/PDF): Via SOS website.

• Michigan Notary Public Act (Act 238 of 2003, as amended): State law.

• Office of the Great Seal Contact: MDOS-Notary@Michigan.gov. Mail: 7064 Crowner Blvd., Lansing, MI 48918.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long is a Michigan notary commission, and when does it expire?

A: 6 to 7 years, always expiring on the notary’s birthday.

Q: How do I renew my notary commission? Is there a grace period if it expires?

A: Reapply as new (application, bond unless attorney, county oath/fee, state fee). Apply up to 60 days prior. No grace period for notarizing post-expiration.

Q: Do I need to be a Michigan resident and a U.S. citizen to become a notary?

A: Must reside in MI or have a place of business in MI. U.S. citizen or proof of legal presence required.

Q: Is an official notary stamp or seal required in Michigan?

A: No, but highly recommended. Document must show notary name, title with commissioning county, expiration date, notarization date, and acting county if applicable. Stamp ensures this.

Q: Should I keep a journal of my notarizations?

A: Optional for traditional acts (but recommended). Mandatory electronic journal (and A/V recordings) for RON, kept 10 years.

Q: Can I notarize documents anywhere in Michigan? Can I notarize for use out-of-state?

A: Yes, statewide jurisdiction. Cannot use MI commission outside MI. Docs notarized in MI are generally accepted out-of-state.

Q: What if I change my name or address during my commission term?

A: Notify Office of the Great Seal via Notary Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change form. No fee for update. Name change requires a new commission certificate; continue using the old name until a new certificate is received.

Q: Does Michigan allow notaries to perform remote online notarization (RON)? If so, how do I get started?

A: Yes. Be an active MI notary. Choose a state-approved RON platform, notify SOS. Follow specific RON procedures (ID verification, e-seal, e-journal, A/V recording).