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Notary Requirements for Wisconsin: 2025 Updated

by Ben Camerota
Scenic View with Devils Doorway, Devil's Lake in Wisconsin

This guide explains becoming a Wisconsin notary public and maintaining/renewing a commission, based on official state sources as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, application, bond, supplies, commission terms, renewal, and Remote Online Notarization (RON).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Four-Year Commission: For U.S. residents meeting qualifications. Valid for four years.

    • Age & Residency: At least 18; U.S. resident (no WI residency requirement).

    • Education: Equivalent of 8th-grade education.

    • Understanding of Duties: Familiarity with notary duties (proven by exam).

    • Character: No disqualifying arrest/conviction (no felony or misdemeanor involving fraud/forgery, unless expunged/pardoned). WDFI reviews case-by-case if history exists.

    • Attestation: Application and Oath certify integrity and meeting requirements.

  • Permanent Commission: Exclusively for Wisconsin-licensed attorneys in good standing. No expiration if the attorney license remains active. No bond required. (Revoked if law license suspended/revoked).

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Application Process

How to Become a Wisconsin Notary Public Overseen by the Department of Financial Institutions (WDFI).

  1. Study Laws/Duties: Review WI Statutes Ch. 140, Admin. Code DFI-CCS 25, WDFI Notary Public Manual/Handbook, and online tutorial.

  2. Complete Notary Tutorial and Exam: Mandatory for new and renewing non-attorney applicants. Access online tutorial/exam on WDFI website. Score 90%+ to pass (retakeable). Print completion certificate.

  3. Obtain $500 Surety Bond: For four-year commission. Purchase from licensed WI insurer/surety. Bonding company signs/seals WDFI bond form; applicant also signs.

  4. Purchase Official Notary Seal: Before applying. Must clearly state: “Notary Public,” “State of Wisconsin,” and your commissioned name (full current last name). Any shape/size. Affix clear impression on application.

  5. Complete Notary Public Application Form (NOT100): Download from WDFI. Provide personal info, seal impression, official signature (matching seal name), criminal history answers, and certification.

  6. Complete Oath of Office: Form usually in application packet. Sign before a current notary (who notarizes your oath).

  7. Prepare Filing Fee: $20.00 (4-year commission); $50.00 (permanent attorney commission). Check/money order to "Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions" or pay online.

  8. Submit Application Package:

    • Online: Via WDFI Notary File Online system (upload scanned application, oath, bond, exam certificate; pay fee).

    • Mail: Send original documents and fee to Notary Records Section, Wisconsin DFI.

  9. Await Commission Approval & Certificate: WDFI reviews. If approved, commission issued (usually within 2 weeks). Official Notary Public Commission Certificate mailed/emailed. Do not notarize until commission is officially issued.

Surety Bond and Insurance Requirements

  • Surety Bond (Mandatory for 4-Year Commission): $500 bond throughout 4-year term. Filed with WDFI. Protects public up to $500 for notary misconduct/negligence; notary reimburses surety. New bond for each renewal. Not required for permanent attorney commissions.

  • Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance (Optional): Protects the notary against claims of negligence/mistakes. Not state-required.

Notary Seal and Journal Requirements

Notary Seal/Stamp: Mandatory; imprint required on each notarial certificate.

  • Content: “Notary Public,” “State of Wisconsin,” notary’s commissioned name (full surname).

  • Format: Any shape/size, legible. Commission expiration date optional on seal. No extraneous titles/logos.

  • Obtaining: Purchase from vendor. Affix impression on application.

  • New/Additional Seal: Submit a sample of any new seal to WDFI for approval before use.

  • Lost/Stolen: Immediately notify WDFI in writing. Obtain new seal with different appearance; submit sample to WDFI for approval before use.

Notary Journal (Record Book):

  • Traditional Notarizations: Not required by WI law, but strongly encouraged by WDFI as best practice. If kept, record: date/type of act, document description, signer name/address, ID presented, signer's signature in journal.

  • Remote Online Notarizations (RON): Electronic journal/records and audio-video recordings required (7-year retention).

Commission Term, Duties, and Renewal

  • Term (4-Year Commission): Valid for 4 years from issuance. Expiration on certificate. WDFI sends a courtesy reminder.

  • Duties: Identify signers, administer oaths, complete certificates, affix seal, maintain impartiality. No legal advice.

  • Permitted Fees:

    • Traditional/RON: Max $5.00 per notarial act.

    • Travel/service fees separate, by prior agreement.

  • Renewal (Reappointment):

    • Timing: Up to 6 months before expiration. Recommended at least 3 weeks prior.

    • Process (same as new): Retake/pass online exam (90%+), new $500 bond, new notarized Oath, new application form (NOT100), $20 fee. Submit online or by mail.

    • Seal: Continue using the old seal if the name/expiration (if on seal) is current. If expiration was on the seal, get a new one or remove the date.

    • Lapsed Commission: Stop notarizing. Reapply as new (new effective date).

  • Permanent (Attorney) Notary: No renewal unless law license issues. Notify WDFI of name/address changes.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Wisconsin

Authorized since May 2020 (2019 Wisconsin Act 125).

  • Authorization: No separate state commission. Must use WDFI-approved RON Technology Provider. Provider verifies notary, notifies WDFI of enrollment. WDFI notes RON capability in public record.

  • RON Procedure:

    • Notary Location: Must be physically in Wisconsin.

    • Signer Location: Anywhere (conditions for foreign signers apply: U.S. connection for document/transaction, certificate notes WI law compliance).

    • Identity Verification: Live audio-video. Platform tools for identity proofing (credential analysis of ID + KBA) or notary's personal knowledge.

    • Process: Electronic document signing, electronic notarial certificate, e-seal.

    • Recording: Entire session audio-visually recorded, retained 7 years (platform usually handles).

    • Journal: Electronic journal/record of remote acts.

  • Estate Planning Documents (Wills, Trusts, POAs): Special rules apply:

    • Must be supervised by a WI-licensed attorney (can be the notary or another supervising attorney present via audio-video).

    • Witnesses participate remotely via the same technology.

    • Notary completes "Affidavit of Compliance" certifying adherence to procedures.

  • Guidance: Review WDFI’s "Guidance for Notaries Seeking to Perform Remote Online Notarial Acts."

Official Resources

  • Wisconsin DFI – Notary Section: https://dfi.wi.gov/ (forms, FAQs, statutes, Notary Public Information).

  • Notary Public Handbook (WDFI): Official manual (Revised Sept 2024).

  • WI Statutes Ch. 140; WI Admin. Code Ch. DFI-CCS 25.

  • WDFI Notary Tutorial and Exam Portal.

  • Contact WDFI Notary Section: Phone (608) 266-8915; Email [email protected]; Mail: DFI – Notary Records, PO Box 7847, Madison, WI 53707-7847.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the maximum fee I can charge as a Wisconsin notary?

A: Max $5.00 per notarial act (traditional or RON). Travel/service fees are separate and by prior agreement.

Q: How do I renew my notary commission when it’s about to expire?

A: Up to 6 months prior, retake exam, get new $500 bond, new notarized Oath, new application, $20 fee. Submit to WDFI.

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

A:

  • Name: Continue using commissioned name OR file Notary Public Address/Name/Seal Change Form with WDFI (no fee), get new seal with new name, submit new seal imprint to WDFI before use. Bond remains valid.
  • Address: Notify WDFI via same Change Form (no fee).

Q: What do I do if my notary seal is lost or stolen?

A: Immediately notify WDFI in writing. Obtain a new seal (different appearance), submit a new seal imprint to WDFI for approval before use.

Q: Am I required to keep a journal of my notarial acts?

A: No, not for traditional notarizations (but highly recommended). For RON, electronic journal/records and A/V recordings (7-yr retention) are required.

Q: Does Wisconsin allow notaries to perform remote online notarizations (RON)?

A: Yes. Use a WDFI-approved RON provider. Notaries must be in WI. Follow specific ID proofing, recording, and (for estate planning docs) attorney supervision rules.

Q: What if the seal imprint on my notary application was not clear? Do I have to start over?

A: No. Stamp clearly on a separate white sheet, attached to the application. WDFI needs one good sample.

Q: I’m receiving unsolicited mail/email offering “notary services.” Do I have to use those companies?

A: No. All necessary steps/forms are available directly from WDFI. Third-party services are optional.

Always refer to official WDFI resources for the most current Wisconsin notary information.

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