Minnesota Notary Requirements and the process Path

To become a notary in Minnesota, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma or prior experience. The process involves taking a notary exam, submitting an process to the Minnesota Secretary of State, and paying a fee. Most people complete the steps within two to four weeks.

Minnesota does not require you to take a course before the exam, though many people do because the exam covers specific state laws and procedures. You can study on your own using the Minnesota Notary Public Handbook, which the Secretary of State publishes free online, or you can pay for a prep course through a private vendor. The exam itself costs money and is administered by approved testing centers.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18, a Minnesota resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
  • The Minnesota Secretary of State administers the exam and issues the notary commission, which lasts four years.
  • You can study for the exam using the free Minnesota Notary Public Handbook or pay for a prep course from a private vendor.
  • After passing the exam and submitting your process with the required fee, your commission typically arrives within two to four weeks.
  • You will need to obtain a notary seal and journal before you can perform notarial acts, and these are separate purchases.

Study Materials and Exam Preparation

The Minnesota Notary Public Handbook is available free from the Secretary of State website and covers all the content tested on the exam. It explains what notaries can and cannot do, how to handle different types of documents, what to do if someone asks you to notarize something improper, and how to keep records. Reading through it once takes most people two to four hours.

If you prefer structured instruction, private companies offer online notary prep courses for Minnesota. These typically cost between $20 and $50 and include videos, practice questions, and sometimes a practice exam. They are not required, but many people find them helpful for understanding the material faster. The Secretary of State does not endorse any particular vendor, so compare options based on price and format.

The actual exam is 40 questions, multiple choice, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You have two hours to complete it. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam, though you will pay the fee again.

Finding an Approved Testing Center and Taking the Exam

The Minnesota Secretary of State maintains a list of approved testing centers on its website. These are typically located in public libraries, community colleges, and private testing companies. You schedule your exam appointment directly with the testing center, not through the Secretary of State. Most centers offer multiple exam dates each week, though availability varies by location.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the exam. You cannot bring study materials, notes, or a phone into the testing room. The testing center will provide scratch paper if you need it. After you finish, the testing center will tell you when ready whether you passed, and they will send your score to the Secretary of State electronically.

Submitting Your process to the Secretary of State

Once you pass the exam, you submit an process to the Minnesota Secretary of State. The process is available on the Secretary of State website and asks for your name, address, date of birth, and exam score. You must also provide a statement that you meet the residency and citizenship requirements and that you have not been convicted of a felony or crime of dishonesty.

The process fee is nonrefundable and covers your four-year commission. The current fee is $75, though you should check the Secretary of State website to confirm the amount has not changed. You can submit the process by mail or online, depending on the Secretary of State's current process. The website will specify which method is available.

After the Secretary of State receives your process and fee, processing typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive your notary commission certificate by mail. This certificate is your proof that you are a commissioned notary and is valid for four years from the date it is issued.

Obtaining Your Notary Seal and Journal

Your commission certificate allows you to work as a notary, but you also need a notary seal and a notary journal before you can perform notarial acts. These are separate purchases and are not provided by the state.

The notary seal is a stamp or embosser that imprints your name, the state, and your commission number onto documents. Minnesota law specifies what information must appear on the seal. You can order a seal from office supply companies, online retailers, or local print shops. A seal typically costs between $15 and $40 depending on the type and vendor. An embosser (which creates a raised impression) usually costs more than an ink stamp.

The notary journal is a bound book where you record every notarial act you perform. You must write down the date, the type of document, the name of the person you notarized for, their ID type and number, and any other details required by Minnesota law. The journal is a legal record and may be requested by a court or law enforcement. You can buy a notary journal from office supply stores or online for $10 to $25.

Renewal and Ongoing Requirements

Your notary commission lasts four years. To continue working as a notary after your commission expires, you must renew it. The renewal process is similar to the initial process: you pay a fee, submit a renewal form, and confirm that you still meet the requirements. You do not have to retake the exam to renew, though the Secretary of State may require you to complete continuing education depending on state law at the time of renewal.

While you hold a commission, you must follow Minnesota notary laws. You cannot notarize a document for someone you have a financial interest in, you cannot notarize your own signature, and you must refuse any request that appears fraudulent or improper. Violating these rules can result in your commission being revoked and potential legal liability.

Keep your notary journal and seal find. If your seal is lost or stolen, notify the Secretary of State and order a replacement. If you move out of Minnesota, your commission becomes invalid, and you cannot perform notarial acts in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Minnesota resident to become a notary?

Yes, you must be a resident of Minnesota to hold a notary commission in the state. The Secretary of State defines residency as having a permanent home in Minnesota where you intend to live. If you move out of state, your commission ends.

Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?

You cannot become a notary if you have been convicted of a felony or a crime of dishonesty. The process asks you to certify this, and the Secretary of State may conduct a background check. If you have questions about a specific conviction, contact the Secretary of State office before submitting your process.

How much does it cost to become a notary in Minnesota?

The exam fee varies by testing center but is typically $20 to $50. The process fee to the Secretary of State is $75 for a four-year commission. You will also need to buy a notary seal ($15 to $40) and a notary journal ($10 to $25). Total cost is usually between $120 and $190, not counting optional prep courses.

Can I notarize documents for family members?

Minnesota law does not prohibit notarizing for family members, but you cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction. For example, you cannot notarize a deed if you are buying or selling the property. If you are unsure whether a conflict exists, it is safer to decline and refer the person to another notary.

What happens if I fail the notary exam?

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass. You can retake the exam by scheduling another appointment at a testing center and paying the exam fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the handbook more carefully.