How to Become a Notary in Minnesota

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

No

Exam Required

No

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

No

Commission Term

Minnesota notary public holds office until January 31st of the fifth year following the year the commission was issued.

Journal Required

Yes

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in Minnesota

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:

New and renewing notary applicants are not required by the state notary statute to provide proof of notary bonds for appointment or reappointment as notaries public in the state of Minnesota.

Bond Final:

No bond is required

Applictation:

Complete Notary Application Form: Download from MN SOS website. Provide legal name, residence address, DOB. Non-residents list MN county for filing. Answer background questions truthfully; attach documentation if answering “Yes.”Prepare Filing Fee: $120 non-refundable fee, payable to “Office of the Secretary of State” (check or money order for mail).Submit Application: Mail completed application, fee, and attachments to MN SOS, Notary Services. (Online application may be available; check SOS website). Processing can take 4-6 weeks.Commission Approval & Certificate: Upon approval, SOS issues Notary Commission Certificate (signed by Governor/SOS), mailed to your residential address. It states your commission term and expiration date.Obtain Notary Seal (Stamp): Mandatory. After receiving a commission certificate, purchase a stamp meeting MN specifications.Register Commission with County & Take Oath: Crucial final step before notarizing.Appear at your county recorder/auditor’s office (county of residence or designated MN county for non-residents).Present commission certificate.Sign an Oath of Office.Pay $20 county recording fee.County records commission and oath. Failure to register can result in civil penalties.

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

File Oath And Commission:

After receiving your commission certificate from the state:Timing: Register as soon as the certificate is received, before notarizing.Location: County Recorder or Auditor’s office in your county of residence (or designated MN county for non-residents).Procedure: Present commission certificate. Pay $20 county recording fee. Sign Oath of Office. County official witness oath and record commission/signature.Completion: Once recorded, commission is fully active. Each new commission term (including renewals) requires new county recording.Failure to register with the county can result in penalties. Term: Five (5) years, expiring on January 31 of the fifth year after issue year (e.g., commission issued in 2025 expires Jan 31, 2030).Renewal Window: August 1 through January 31 for commissions expiring the following January 31.Expiration: Authority ceases at expiration. No grace period for notarizing. Acting with expired commission is a misdemeanor.

File Oath And Commission Final:

Yes, an Oath is required

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Minnesota Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

Notaries public are appointed by the Minnesota Governor. The Minnesota Secretary of State processes all applications for appointment and reappointment, issues notary public commissions, and maintains the records relating to notaries.

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