How to Become a Notary Public in Michigan

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must live in Michigan or keep a place of business in Michigan.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or have proof of legal presence.
• You must live in, or have your main place of business in, the county where you ask to be appointed.
• You must be able to read and write English.
• You cannot have a felony conviction in the past 10 years.
• You cannot have certain repeat misdemeanor convictions under the Michigan Notary Public Act.
• You cannot be serving a term of imprisonment.

Step by step

1. Fill out the notary application online or print the paper application.
2. Buy a $10,000 surety bond written for six or seven years from a Michigan-licensed insurer.
3. Take the bond and application to your county clerk, pay the county fee, and take the oath.
4. Upload the finished application online and pay the $10 state fee, or mail it with a check or money order to the Office of the Great Seal.
5. If you live out of state, include a copy of your driver's license and a letter from your Michigan employer.
6. Wait for approval, then get your commission card and certificate from your MiLogin account.
7. Do not notarize until your status shows as valid.

Official application →

What it costs in Michigan

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

The Department of State says an online application takes up to 2 weeks to process and a mailed application up to 4 to 6 weeks.

What other sites get wrong about Michigan

After you're commissioned

Renewal: There is no renewal; apply for a new commission no more than 60 days before your current one expires.

Remote online notarization: Yes. Michigan allows electronic and remote notarizations, but only through state-approved vendor platforms. File the Electronic and Remote Notary (E & R) form with proof that you are onboarded with an approved system. Remote notaries must keep a journal and retain it for at least 10 years.

Good to know in Michigan

What you can charge: No more than $10 for any single transaction or notarial act, and you must post a sign or tell the signer the fee first (MCL 55.285(7)). A separate travel fee is allowed if agreed in advance.

Renewal cost: Michigan has no renewal, so each new commission costs the same as the first: the $10 state processing fee, the county clerk's bond-filing fee ($10, more in some counties), and a new bond.

Sources

• Michigan SOS - Notary application
• Michigan SOS - Notary services
• Michigan SOS - Notary FAQs
• Michigan Notary Public Application and Instructions (PDF, rev. 08/25)
• Michigan SOS - Electronic and Remote Notarial Acts General Information Guide (PDF)
• Michigan SOS - E & R application (Electronic and Remote Notary Request for Change, rev. 02/26)
• MCL 55.285 (Michigan Notary Public Act, notarial acts and fees)