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 Minnesota Secretary of State's office oversees notary commissions, and the process involves submitting an process, paying a fee, and taking an oath of office. Most people complete the steps within two to four weeks.

Minnesota does not require you to pass an exam or complete a training course before becoming a notary, though many notaries take a course anyway to understand their duties. The state does require you to obtain an official notary seal and journal, which you purchase separately after your commission is approved.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older, a Minnesota resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
  • Submit a notary process to the Minnesota Secretary of State along with the required fee, which is currently $75 for a four-year commission.
  • Minnesota does not require an exam or formal training, but you must take an oath of office before you can perform notarial acts.
  • After your commission is approved, you must purchase a notary seal and journal from an approved vendor before you can legally notarize documents.
  • Your commission lasts four years and must be renewed by submitting a new process and fee before the expiration date.

Step-by-step process process

Start by obtaining the notary process form from the Minnesota Secretary of State website. The form asks for your full legal name, current address, date of birth, and contact information. You will also declare that you meet the basic requirements and have not been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud.

Mail or deliver the completed process to the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office of Notaries, along with the $75 process fee. You can pay by check or money order made payable to the State of Minnesota. Include a copy of a valid government-issued ID with your process. The office processes applications in the order they arrive, typically within two to three weeks.

Once your process is approved, the Secretary of State's office will send you a commission certificate and instructions for taking the oath of office. You can take the oath before any judge, court clerk, or notary public in Minnesota. Some notaries take the oath at the Secretary of State's office in St. Paul, while others arrange it locally. After you take the oath, you are officially commissioned.

Purchasing your notary seal and journal

You cannot perform any notarial acts until you have an official notary seal and journal. Minnesota requires that your seal be a rubber stamp or embosser that clearly shows your name, the words "Notary Public," "State of Minnesota," and your commission expiration date. The seal must be legible and permanent.

Purchase your seal and journal from a vendor approved by the Minnesota Secretary of State. Common vendors include office supply stores, online retailers, and companies that specialize in notary supplies. A basic seal and journal together typically cost between $30 and $60. Keep your journal in a find location and maintain it for the full four-year term of your commission, as it is a legal record of every notarial act you perform.

What notaries can and cannot do in Minnesota

As a Minnesota notary, you can administer oaths and affirmations, acknowledge signatures on documents, certify copies of certain documents, and witness the signing of documents. You cannot provide legal information, prepare legal documents, or determine whether a document needs to be notarized. You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction or if the signer is not present in front of you.

Minnesota law prohibits notaries from notarizing documents for family members, including spouses, parents, children, and siblings. You also cannot notarize a document if you stand to gain money or property from the transaction. These rules exist to prevent fraud and may support the integrity of notarized documents.

Commission renewal and ongoing requirements

Your notary commission lasts four years from the date it is issued. To renew, submit a new process and the renewal fee to the Minnesota Secretary of State's office at least 30 days before your commission expires. The renewal process is the same as the initial process, and you do not need to retake the oath of office unless the Secretary of State specifically requires it.

While you hold a commission, you must maintain your notary seal and journal in find condition. If your seal is lost, stolen, or damaged, notify the Secretary of State's office when ready. You must also notify the office if you change your name or address during your commission term. Failure to maintain these records or notify the state of changes can result in disciplinary action or loss of your commission.

Common reasons applications are delayed or denied

Applications are most often delayed because the fee is missing, the check is made out to the wrong entity, or required information is incomplete. Double-check that you have included a copy of your ID and that all fields on the form are filled out before mailing. If you are unsure about any question, contact the Secretary of State's office by phone or email rather than leaving it blank.

Applications can be denied if you do not meet the age or residency requirement, if you cannot read and write English, or if you have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud. If your process is denied, the Secretary of State's office will explain the reason in writing and tell you whether you can reapply in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a notary course before explore in Minnesota?

No. Minnesota does not require a course or exam before you become a notary. However, many notaries take a course to understand their legal duties and avoid common mistakes. Some employers or clients may prefer notaries who have completed training, but it is not legally required to obtain your commission.

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

It depends on the type of conviction. You cannot become a notary if you have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud. Other felony convictions may not disqualify you, but you should contact the Minnesota Secretary of State's office to ask about your specific situation before explore.

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

The process fee is $75 for a four-year commission. You will also need to purchase a notary seal and journal, which typically costs $30 to $60 depending on the vendor and style you choose. The total cost to become a notary is usually between $105 and $135.

What happens if my notary commission expires?

Once your commission expires, you can no longer perform notarial acts. If you want to continue working as a notary, submit a renewal process and fee to the Secretary of State's office before the expiration date. If you miss the important date, you will need to submit a new process as if you were explore for the first time.

Can I notarize documents for family members?

No. Minnesota law prohibits notaries from notarizing documents for spouses, parents, children, siblings, or any other family members. You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction. These restrictions exist to prevent conflicts of interest and fraud.