How to become a notary in Michigan
Eligibility, a $10,000 bond, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal.
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Michigan resident commissioned in their county of residence, or a non-resident who maintains a principal place of business in the county of appointment. Non-residents must submit a copy of their out-of-state driver's license and an employer letter explaining why they need a Michigan commission; U.S. citizen or proof of legal presence; able to read and write English; no felony conviction within the past 10 years (counted from completion of sentence, parole/probation and fines); not convicted of 2+ notary-act misdemeanors in 12 months while commissioned or 3+ in 5 years; not currently imprisoned; must sign a declaration that you have read the Michigan notary law.
- Buy a $10,000 surety bond — $10,000 surety bond from a surety licensed in Michigan (typically $50-$100), filed with the county clerk in your county of appointment. Michigan-licensed attorneys are exempt but must still take the oath at the county clerk.
- Complete the background check — No fingerprinting; you disclose felony and misdemeanor history on the application.
- Apply to the Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal — Pay the $10 state fee. Other fees: County clerk filing fee, usually $10 (some counties charge more); a card-processing fee applies when paying the $10 state fee online by card.
- Take the oath and file it — Before submitting the application to the state: take the printed application and the $10,000 bond to the county clerk (county of residence for MI residents), file the bond, take the constitutional oath of office and pay the county fee. Then upload the clerk-completed application online and pay the state's $10, or mail it to the Office of the Great Seal.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Not required. A stamp or embosser is optional (recommended), but the certificate must show the notary's name as commissioned, "Notary Public, State of Michigan", county of commission, expiration date, "Acting in the County of ___" when applicable, and the date. Journal: Required for RON only.
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Michigan's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Michigan notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Michigan resident commissioned in their county of residence, or a non-resident who maintains a principal place of business in the county of appointment. Non-residents must submit a copy of their out-of-state driver's license and an employer letter explaining why they need a Michigan commission. |
| Course | Not required No mandatory course. The Department of State offers free notary training (video) on its website. |
| Exam | Not required No state exam |
| State fee | $10 |
| Other fees | County clerk filing fee, usually $10 (some counties charge more); a card-processing fee applies when paying the $10 state fee online by card |
| Surety bond | $10,000 $10,000 surety bond from a surety licensed in Michigan (typically $50-$100), filed with the county clerk in your county of appointment. Michigan-licensed attorneys are exempt but must still take the oath at the county clerk. |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | No fingerprinting; you disclose felony and misdemeanor history on the application |
| Term | 6 to 7 years, ending on the notary's birthday |
| Oath / filing | Before submitting the application to the state: take the printed application and the $10,000 bond to the county clerk (county of residence for MI residents), file the bond, take the constitutional oath of office and pay the county fee. Then upload the clerk-completed application online and pay the state's $10, or mail it to the Office of the Great Seal. |
| Seal | Not required. A stamp or embosser is optional (recommended), but the certificate must show the notary's name as commissioned, "Notary Public, State of Michigan", county of commission, expiration date, "Acting in the County of ___" when applicable, and the date |
| Journal | Required for RON only |
| Max fee per notarization | $10 per notarial act, for traditional, electronic and remote acts alike; travel fees may be negotiated in advance |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Any commissioned notary may perform electronic and remote notarizations after buying and onboarding with a state-approved vendor platform and filing the Electronic and Remote Notary Request for Change form with proof from the vendor. No extra state fee. A journal is required for remote acts, and the journal and audio/visual recordings must be kept 10 years. |
| Renewal | No automatic renewal. Repeat the full process (new application, bond, county clerk oath and fee, $10 state fee) within 60 days before expiration to avoid a gap in your commission. |
Michigan commissions about 1,300 notaries a month (113,000+ active). The commission is statewide, but you must add "Acting in the County of ___" when notarizing outside your county of commission. Michigan notaries may not certify copies (true copy) or notarize for spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, stepchildren or in-laws. Wait for the official expiration date on your commission before buying a stamp; the date on the bond is not official. A knowing violation in a real property or mortgage notarization is a felony. Bills pending in 2025-2026 (HB 4541, HB 5289, HB 5658, SB 811; earlier HB 5898 would have required a course and exam) were not enacted as of 2026-10.
Sources: Michigan Department of State - Notary services · Michigan Department of State - Notary application · Electronic and Remote Notary Request for Change (PDF) · Electronic and Remote Notarial Acts - General Information Guide (PDF) · Michigan Law on Notarial Acts, 2003 PA 238 (MCL 55.261 et seq.). Checked 2026-10. Values marked verify haven't been confirmed against an official source yet.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a Michigan notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other Michigan licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Michigan insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Michigan?
The state fee is $10, plus County clerk filing fee, usually $10 (some counties charge more); a card-processing fee applies when paying the $10 state fee online by card. Add the premium for the $10,000 bond, a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Michigan?
Online: often the same day or within days; by mail: 4 to 6 weeks.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Michigan?
Michigan requires a $10,000 bond.
How much can a notary charge in Michigan?
$10 per notarial act, for traditional, electronic and remote acts alike; travel fees may be negotiated in advance.
Can I be an online notary in Michigan?
Yes. Any commissioned notary may perform electronic and remote notarizations after buying and onboarding with a state-approved vendor platform and filing the Electronic and Remote Notary Request for Change form with proof from the vendor. No extra state fee. A journal is required for remote acts, and the journal and audio/visual recordings must be kept 10 years.