How to become a notary in Wisconsin
Eligibility, an exam, a $500 bond, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Division of Corporate and Consumer Services.
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Any U.S. resident (Wisconsin residency not required), but you must be physically present in Wisconsin to perform notarial acts. Permanent commissions are only for attorneys licensed in Wisconsin; Equivalent of an 8th-grade education; familiar with notary duties; no arrest or conviction record that affects ability to hold a position of public trust (felonies and fraud/forgery-type misdemeanors must be disclosed and are reviewed; a pre-application eligibility review is available).
- Pass the notary exam — Free online DFI Notary Tutorial/Exam; must score 90% or better and submit the completion certificate, dated within one year of applying. Required for 4-year commissions (new and renewal); not required for attorney permanent commissions.
- Buy a $500 surety bond — $500 surety bond from a company licensed in Wisconsin (DFI bond form, signed by applicant then completed by the surety); runs with the 4-year commission and cannot be cancelled; employer blanket bonds don't count; typically $25-$100. No bond for attorney permanent commissions.
- Complete the background check — No fingerprints; criminal history is self-disclosed on the application and reviewed by DFI.
- Apply to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Division of Corporate and Consumer Services — Pay the $20 state fee. Other fees: Attorney permanent commission $50 (plus $3 Certificate of Good Standing from the Wisconsin Supreme Court, dated within 2 months); replacement commission certificate $10; seal/stamp and bond at market price.
- Take the oath and file it — Before applying, sign the Oath of Office form in front of a current notarial officer; submit it with the application (bearing your seal/stamp impression), bond form and exam certificate, online via the DFI file-online portal (MyWisconsin ID) or by mail. Do not notarize until DFI notifies you the commission is issued.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required, bought BEFORE applying (an impression goes on the application): engraved seal or rubber stamp of any size/shape with 'Notary Public', 'State of Wisconsin' and your name including full current legal last name (no titles like Dr./Esq.); expiration date optional. Journal: Recommended (not required); RON acts require audio-video recordings kept at least 7 years.
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 Wisconsin's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Wisconsin notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Division of Corporate and Consumer Services |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Any U.S. resident (Wisconsin residency not required), but you must be physically present in Wisconsin to perform notarial acts. Permanent commissions are only for attorneys licensed in Wisconsin |
| Course | Not required No classroom course, but the free online DFI Notary Public Tutorial is the path to the required exam |
| Exam | Required Free online DFI Notary Tutorial/Exam; must score 90% or better and submit the completion certificate, dated within one year of applying. Required for 4-year commissions (new and renewal); not required for attorney permanent commissions |
| State fee | $20 |
| Other fees | Attorney permanent commission $50 (plus $3 Certificate of Good Standing from the Wisconsin Supreme Court, dated within 2 months); replacement commission certificate $10; seal/stamp and bond at market price |
| Surety bond | $500 $500 surety bond from a company licensed in Wisconsin (DFI bond form, signed by applicant then completed by the surety); runs with the 4-year commission and cannot be cancelled; employer blanket bonds don't count; typically $25-$100. No bond for attorney permanent commissions |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | No fingerprints; criminal history is self-disclosed on the application and reviewed by DFI |
| Term | 4 years (permanent for Wisconsin-licensed attorneys while licensed) |
| Oath / filing | Before applying, sign the Oath of Office form in front of a current notarial officer; submit it with the application (bearing your seal/stamp impression), bond form and exam certificate, online via the DFI file-online portal (MyWisconsin ID) or by mail. Do not notarize until DFI notifies you the commission is issued |
| Seal | Required, bought BEFORE applying (an impression goes on the application): engraved seal or rubber stamp of any size/shape with 'Notary Public', 'State of Wisconsin' and your name including full current legal last name (no titles like Dr./Esq.); expiration date optional |
| Journal | Recommended (not required); RON acts require audio-video recordings kept at least 7 years |
| Max fee per notarization | $5 for most in-person notarial acts (Wis. Stat. §140.02(9)) |
| Remote online notary | Allowed No separate DFI application or fee: a commissioned notary signs up with a DFI/Remote Notary Council-approved technology provider, which reports the RON registration to DFI. Must follow §140.145 and DFI-CCS 25.03; recordings kept 7 years; notary must be physically in Wisconsin. Remote estate-planning documents need attorney supervision (§140.147) |
| Renewal | Not automatic: retake the online tutorial exam, get a new $500 bond and oath, file a new 4-year application with $20; may apply within 6 months before expiration (DFI suggests at least 3 weeks before) |
Report address changes within 10 days. A second seal/embosser or a replacement seal must have samples on file with DFI before use; a lost seal must be replaced by one of different appearance.
Sources: WI DFI – Notary Public General Information · WI DFI – Notary Fees · WI DFI – Notary FAQ · WI DFI – Notary File Online · WI DFI – Remote Online Notary. 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Wisconsin insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Wisconsin?
The state fee is $20, plus Attorney permanent commission $50 (plus $3 Certificate of Good Standing from the Wisconsin Supreme Court, dated within 2 months); replacement commission certificate $10; seal/stamp and bond at market price. Add the premium for the $500 bond, a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Wisconsin?
Certificate usually within two weeks of submitting forms and fee.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires an exam, a $500 bond.
How much can a notary charge in Wisconsin?
$5 for most in-person notarial acts (Wis. Stat. §140.02(9)).
Can I be an online notary in Wisconsin?
Yes. No separate DFI application or fee: a commissioned notary signs up with a DFI/Remote Notary Council-approved technology provider, which reports the RON registration to DFI. Must follow §140.145 and DFI-CCS 25.03; recordings kept 7 years; notary must be physically in Wisconsin. Remote estate-planning documents need attorney supervision (§140.147)