How to Become a Notary in Wisconsin

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

Yes

Exam Required

Yes

No

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

Yes

Commission Term

4 years

Journal Required

No

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in Wisconsin

Education:

All new or renewing notary applicants seeking commissions as Wisconsin notaries public must successfully complete the Notary Public Tutorial and Exam administered by the Wisconsin Secretary of Department of Financial Institutions. Notary applicants must score 90% or higher on the exam. After passing the notary exam, the notary applicant will receive a certificate of completion, which must be submitted with the notary application. For questions regarding the Wisconsin Notary Public Tutorial and Exam, please contact the State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions at DFINotary@dfi.wisconsin.gov.

Education Final:

Yes, must complete an approved training course.

Exam Final:

Yes, an exam is required

Background Check Final:

No background check is required

Bond:

All Wisconsin notary applicants are required to maintain a four-year, $500 notary bond for the duration of their notary term. The notary application must be submitted within thirty days of the effective date of the surety bond.

Bond Final:

Yes, a $500 bond is required

Applictation:

Application form. After printing complete with stamp and signatures. 4yr / Permanent Oath of Office form. After printing complete in front of a current notarial officer with stamp and signatures. 4yr only bond form. After printing complete signature #1 and send to bonding company to complete #7-#13. 4yr only Have passed the notary exam (print certificate) with 90% or better within one year of applying. 4yr only You will need to purchase a $500 bond. 4yr only You will need to purchase an engraved official seal or official rubber stamp that contains “State of Wisconsin,” “Notary Public” and your printed name that must include your full current last name. No title such as “Dr.”, “CPA”, “Esq.” or “Atty.” should appear before or after your name. 4yr / Permanent Purchase a Certificate of Good Standing from the Wisconsin Supreme Court (this will cost $3 from the Clerk of the Supreme Court) that must be dated within 2 months of submission of your notary application. Permanent only Must mail all completed forms with a check or money order (made out to WDFI). We will notify you by email when your commission is complete or if any corrections are needed before we can grant your commission. 4yr / Permanent

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

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Wisconsin Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

The Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions appoints notaries in the State of Wisconsin. The Department of Financial Institutions receives applications for appointment and reappointment, administers the commissioning process, and maintains an electronic database of active notaries.

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