How to Become a Notary in Michigan

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

No

Exam Required

No

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

Yes

Commission Term

6 to 7-year period ending on the notary's birthday

Journal Required

No

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in Michigan

Education:

Not required.

Education Final:

No training is required.

Exam:

No exam is required

Exam Final:

No exam is required.

Background Check Final:

No background check is required

Bond:

Applicants for a notary public commissionare required to obtaina $10,000 surety bondandfile it at theoffice of thecounty clerkin the countywhere the applicant resides.The company fromwhich you receive thesuretybond must be licensed to do businessin Michigan. Licensed attorneys are exemptfrom filing s surety bond; however, they mustfile an oath at the office of the county clerk inthe county where the applicant resides.

Bond Final:

No bond is required

Applictation:

Please check the link for more details: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/all-services/notary-application

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

File Oath And Commission:

Theoathof office is an oral or writtenstatement taken at the county clerk’sofficewhen you file yourbond or oath (licensedattorneys only). For Michigan residents, thismust be in your county of residence.Out-of-stateapplicantsappear in thecounty oftheir principal place ofbusiness n Michigan. Aftertheoathis administered, the clerk will attest toadministering the oath and filing yourbond by completing information at thetop of the application. The clerk willreturn the application to you to mail tothe Secretary of State for processingalong with a $10.00 processing fee. There is no automatic renewal process. Youmustapply foranewcommissionwhen yourcurrent commission expires. It isyourresponsibility toapplyfora newcommissionnomore than 60 days prior totheexpirationdateofyourpresentcommission.Ifyouarecurrentlya licensed attorneyin Michigan,youwill receiveareappointment applicationformapproximately 90 days priorto yourcommissionexpiration date.

File Oath And Commission Final:

Yes, an Oath is required

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Michigan Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

The Michigan Secretary of State processes notary applications, issues notary public commissions, and maintains all the records regarding notaries public.

Always Verify the Information with your State’s Official Notary Licensing Agency.