How to Apply to Become a Notary in Michigan 

If you meet the requirements to become a notary and have read the Michigan Notary Public Act, you are ready to apply for your notary commission by following the steps below.

Step 1: Order Your Notary Bond and Supplies. 

As part of the application process, you must obtain a $10,000 surety bond, also known as a notary bond, from a bonding agency such as Notary Public Underwriters. This bond is intended to protect the public from any financial loss caused by notarial misconduct.

When you order your Michigan notary bond from Notary Public Underwriters, you will receive a free notary errors and omissions policy. This added benefit provides invaluable protection for notaries, covering them in the event of unintentional errors or omissions in their notarial acts up to the policy limit.

For a more enhanced level of protection, consider adding an additional policy. With lawsuits on the rise, notaries who have a more comprehensive level of coverage have greater peace of mind. Having more than the free policy is beneficial for mitigating financial liability if the lawsuit is costly, as there are more funds available to cover legal expenses, settlements, or judgments.

When you visit our Become a Notary page, you will notice that our notary packages come with a notary stamp. Although having a notary stamp is optional in Michigan, most Michigan notaries use a notary stamp. The use of a notary stamp can help the receiving party of a notarized document easily determine who is the notary and can help the notary save time from manually writing certain information each time a notarization is performed and reduce the risk of error.

Consider adding one of our notary public record books to your order, as it can help you keep track of all the notarizations you performed. This can be beneficial if you ever need to refer to a past notarization. In the event a claim is filed against you, a record book can serve as evidence that you followed proper procedures.

At the end of checkout, your notary bond will be available for downloading. You will need this later in the process.

Step 2: Complete the Michigan Notary Application. 

Visit the Michigan Department of State's website to create a user account and follow the instructions to complete the application. Please store your log in information, as you will need it to file your application.

Step 3: File the Bond and take the Oath of Office to the County Clerk's Office. 

Take the notary bond, completed application, and county fee to the County Clerk's office.  If you are a Michigan resident, this must be your county of residence. If you are a non-resident, this must be your county of employment. The fee varies between $10 and $20.

The clerk will file the bond, administer the Oath of Office, and return the application to you with instructions for completing the process.

Step 4: File the Notary Application with the Department of State. 

After completing the county-level filing requirements, you will need to submit your application to the Department of State. For the fastest approval, the Michigan Department of State suggests uploading your completed application and paying the $10 processing fee online. Online applications are prioritized and often processed the same day they are received.

If you prefer to mail your application and fee via check or money order payable to the "State of Michigan," send them to:

Michigan Department of State
Office of the Great Seal
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918

Keep in mind that processing through this method may take up to six weeks.

Step 5: Send Us a Copy of Your Notary Commission Card or Certificate. 

Email a copy of your commission card and/or wall certificate to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Upon receipt of your commission certificate, we will manufacture your order and ship it within three business days.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Michigan? 

The cost of becoming a notary in Michigan includes several components. Firstly, there is a $10 non-refundable processing fee payable to the Michigan Department of State, along with a county fee ranging from $10 to $20. Additionally, the notary bond is $55 if purchased from Notary Public Underwriters. Other expenses depend on the type of notary stamp, record book, and insurance purchased, as well as any additional supplies needed.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Notary in Michigan? 

The timeframe to become a notary in Michigan varies based on how quickly each step is completed and the processing time at the Department of State. Once you have purchased your bond, the process can be completed in as little as a few days or can take as long as six weeks.

How Long Does a Michigan Notary Commission Last? 

Each notary public commission lasts for a period of 6-7 years, ending on the notary's birthday. The term is specifically set to be not less than 6 years or more than 7 years from the date of appointment.

If your commission date falls before your birthday in a calendar year, the term will be 6 years from your birthday. Conversely, if your commission date is after your birthday in that calendar year, the term will be 7 years from your birthday.

We hope you find this guide informative. If you have additional questions regarding how to become a notary in Michigan, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 800.821.0831. We are always happy to assist.