Notary Public Underwriters Blog
How Michigan Notary Law Treats Notary Violations
- Details
- Published: December 8, 2025
“The slammer.”
“The can.”
“The clink.”
“The pokey.”
These terms may sound humorous, but for some Michigan notaries, they've become an unfortunate reality. That’s because serious violations of Michigan notary law can lead not just to fines or suspension—but to jail time.
Being a commissioned notary comes with serious responsibilities. You must follow Michigan's notary laws and rules carefully. Just like with other crimes, breaking notary laws can lead to different consequences—some minor, some severe—depending on the situation.
Notary Mistakes Can Be Costly
Many notary mistakes are honest errors or oversights. These may result in a warning or administrative action, like an official reprimand. But some violations are so serious that a notary could face suspension, lose their commission, be fined, or even go to jail.
Michigan Notary Offenses That Could Result Result in Jail Time
- Violating the Michigan Notary Public Act
This can lead to a misdemeanor, with penalties of up to $5,000 in fines, up to one year of imprisonment, or both. - Knowingly violating the Michigan Notary Public Act while notarizing any document relating to an interest in real property or a mortgage transaction.
This is considered a felony, with potential penalties of up to four years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
In addition, a Michigan notary’s penalties and remedies under the Michigan Notary Public Act are cumulative, meaning (generally) that the injured party or enforcing authority can pursue more than one penalty or remedy for a single violation or breach.
Keep Learning—Your Commission Depends on It
While some notary rules—like requiring personal appearance, completing the notarial certificate, and recording journal entries—are basic and widely known, there are many other rules that are just as important but less obvious. That’s why it’s critical to review Michigan’s notary laws and administrative rules regularly. Mistakes you didn’t mean to make can still result in serious trouble—including criminal charges.