How to become a notary in Michigan

Get everything you need with a full Michigan Notary Package.

A Michigan Notary commission is valid for six to seven years, ending on your birthday.

• If you were appointed before your birthday in that calendar year, your commission term will be six years from your birthday.
• If you were appointed after your birthday, your commission term will be seven years from your birthday.

The cost of becoming a Michigan Notary Public ranges between $70 to $80 depending on where you purchase your six-year surety bond and which county clerk you visit.

Once you have purchased your bond and submitted your application, the process can take up to two weeks if you apply online or four to six weeks if you apply by mail.

Wondering what it takes to become a Notary in the Great Lake State? Read on below.

To qualify for a Notary commission in Michigan, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a resident of or maintain a place of business in Michigan
• Be a U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal residence
• Be a resident of the county in which you request appointment (if you do not reside in Michigan, maintain a principal place of business in the county you request appointment)
• Be able to read and write English
• Be free of any felony convictions in the last 10 years (if previously convicted of a felony, the 10-year period includes completion of the sentence for that crime, any term of imprisonment, parole or probation, and payment of all fines, costs and assessments)
• Have not been convicted of two or more misdemeanor offenses involving a violation of the Michigan Notary Public Act within a 12-month period while commissioned, or three or more misdemeanor offenses involving a violation of this act within a five-year period regardless of being commissioned
• Have filed a surety bond in the amount of $10,000 with the appropriate county clerk and taken the oath of office as prescribed by the State Constitution (Michigan licensed attorneys are exempt)
• Have signed a declaration that all information on your application for a Michigan Notary Public Commission is correct, that you have read the Michigan Notary Public Act and that you will perform all notarial acts faithfully

In addition, any individual currently serving a term of imprisonment in any state, county or federal correctional facility is prohibited from being appointed or serving as a Notary Public.

Michigan requires a Notary Public to hold a $10,000 surety bond from a surety company licensed to do business in the state.

Complete the Application for Notary Public Commission and submit the form with the $10 processing fee online or by mail. Your name and address must match your ID exactly to avoid processing delays.

Go to your county clerk to take your oath of office and file your bond.

Attorneys licensed in the state of Michigan are not required to file a bond.

Have more questions about being a Michigan Notary? Read on below.

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Last updated: Jan 27, 2025

Get everything you need with a full Michigan Notary Package.