How to become a notary in Minnesota
Eligibility, the application, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Minnesota Secretary of State (appointment by the Governor).
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Minnesota resident (U.S. citizen or resident alien), or a resident of Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota who designates the Secretary of State as agent for service of process and names the Minnesota county where the commission will be recorded; Application asks about state-agency investigations, occupational license discipline, criminal charges/convictions (minor traffic offenses excluded) and fraud-type lawsuits; any YES answer requires a written explanation, court documents and a background check form.
- Complete the background check — Self-disclosure on the application; applicants answering YES to any of the 4 background questions sign a Criminal Background Check Form and the Department of Commerce runs a criminal history check. No fingerprints.
- Apply to the Minnesota Secretary of State (appointment by the Governor) — Pay the $120 state fee. Other fees: $20 county fee to record the commission; notary stamp purchased privately; no fee for electronic (E) or remote online notary (RON) authorization.
- Take the oath and file it — Oath of office is part of the signed application. After the commission arrives, record it (with a signature matching the commission name and a sample signature) with the local registrar of your county of residence (non-residents: the designated Minnesota county) and pay the $20 fee before notarizing.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: rectangular ink stamp (max 3/4 in x 2 1/2 in, serrated or milled border) with the Minnesota state seal, your name as on the commission, 'Notary Public' and 'My commission expires' with the date; buy a new stamp for each new commission. Journal: Recommended (electronic journal kept 10 years is required for remote online notarizations).
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 Minnesota's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Minnesota notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Minnesota Secretary of State (appointment by the Governor) |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Minnesota resident (U.S. citizen or resident alien), or a resident of Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota who designates the Secretary of State as agent for service of process and names the Minnesota county where the commission will be recorded |
| Course | Not required No state-mandated education; the Secretary of State's commission guide suggests optional additional training |
| Exam | Not required No state exam |
| State fee | $120 |
| Other fees | $20 county fee to record the commission; notary stamp purchased privately; no fee for electronic (E) or remote online notary (RON) authorization |
| Surety bond | None No surety bond required by state law; the Secretary of State advises asking your employer or insurance provider whether a bond or insurance is needed |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | Self-disclosure on the application; applicants answering YES to any of the 4 background questions sign a Criminal Background Check Form and the Department of Commerce runs a criminal history check. No fingerprints. |
| Term | Until January 31 of the fifth year after the year of issue (about 5 years) |
| Oath / filing | Oath of office is part of the signed application. After the commission arrives, record it (with a signature matching the commission name and a sample signature) with the local registrar of your county of residence (non-residents: the designated Minnesota county) and pay the $20 fee before notarizing |
| Seal | Required: rectangular ink stamp (max 3/4 in x 2 1/2 in, serrated or milled border) with the Minnesota state seal, your name as on the commission, 'Notary Public' and 'My commission expires' with the date; buy a new stamp for each new commission |
| Journal | Recommended (electronic journal kept 10 years is required for remote online notarizations) |
| Max fee per notarization | $5 for most notarial acts, e.g. $5 per oath (Minn. Stat. 357.17); acknowledgments: the legal fees allowed other officers for like services |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Separate no-fee RON authorization (and a separate E-notarization authorization) from the Secretary of State; notary must be physically in Minnesota and use conforming communication technology; registration lasts as long as the commission; electronic journal and audio-video recording kept 10 years (Minn. Stat. 358.645) |
| Renewal | Renewal may be filed (online or by mail) up to 6 months before the January 31 expiration; $120 fee; after expiration apply for reappointment ($120). Re-record the new commission with the county ($20) and buy a new stamp |
New applications are mailed to the Secretary of State with a check or money order (renewals and address changes can be done online at notary.sos.state.mn.us). Name or address changes must be reported within 30 days. Statutes: Minn. Stat. chapters 357, 358 and 359.
Sources: Minnesota SOS - Become a Notary · Minnesota Notary Commission Application (rev. 8/2024) · Minnesota SOS Notary Commission Guide · Minn. Stat. 359.01 (commission, $120 fee, non-residents) · Minn. Stat. 359.02 (term). Checked 2026-10.
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Minnesota insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Minnesota?
The state fee is $120, plus $20 county fee to record the commission; notary stamp purchased privately; no fee for electronic (E) or remote online notary (RON) authorization. Add a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Minnesota?
Usually a few weeks from application to commission.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Minnesota?
No. Minnesota requires no course or exam, though a short course helps you avoid mistakes.
How much can a notary charge in Minnesota?
$5 for most notarial acts, e.g. $5 per oath (Minn. Stat. 357.17); acknowledgments: the legal fees allowed other officers for like services.
Can I be an online notary in Minnesota?
Yes. Separate no-fee RON authorization (and a separate E-notarization authorization) from the Secretary of State; notary must be physically in Minnesota and use conforming communication technology; registration lasts as long as the commission; electronic journal and audio-video recording kept 10 years (Minn. Stat. 358.645)