How to Become a Notary Public in Minnesota

Checked against Minnesota Secretary of State (applications); commissions issued by the Governor · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Not required
Training: Not required
Term: 5 years
State fee: $120
Bond: None stated
Commissioned by: Minnesota Secretary of State (applications); commissions issued by the Governor

Take the free notary practice test →

Who can apply

Be at least 18 years old.
Be a Minnesota resident (citizen or resident alien), or live in a county of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin and name the Minnesota county where you will record your commission.
Answer questions about investigations, license actions, criminal history and fraud lawsuits; a yes answer requires documents and a background check form.
New-commission rules apply only if you have not held a previous commission that has expired; otherwise apply for reappointment.

Step by step

Complete the Notary Commission Application.
Mail it with a $120 check or money order payable to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Wait for your commission certificate by mail at your home address.
Register your commission with your county ($20).
Buy a notary stamp that matches the name on your commission.

Official application →

No state exam here, but notaries are liable for mistakes. Check your notary knowledge with the free practice test →

What it costs in Minnesota

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

State application fee$120
County recording fee$20
Notary stamp$
Notary journal(optional)$

Estimated total in Minnesota$140Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

$20 county recording fee
Notary stamp
Optional notary journal

Pay in Minnesota

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in Minnesota after taxes.

How long it takes

The Secretary of State says to allow about 6 weeks for processing, plus mail time, from the date your application reaches its office.

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Renew online or by mail for $120 up to 6 months before the January 31 expiration, then re-record with your county and buy a new stamp.

Remote online notarization: Yes. A Minnesota notary must register with the Secretary of State before performing remote online notarizations (Minn. Stat. 358.645) and may perform them only while physically located in Minnesota. A notary must separately register before performing electronic notarizations (Minn. Stat. 359.01, subd. 5).

Good to know in Minnesota

What you can charge: Up to $5 for most notarial acts, such as $5 per oath (Minn. Stat. 357.17). For acknowledgments, the cap is the fee other officers are allowed for the same service.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Minnesota Secretary of State (applications); commissions issued by the Governor before you apply.