What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in Michigan
To become a notary public in Michigan, you must be at least 18 years old, a Michigan resident, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma or any prior experience. The process involves completing a notary process through the Michigan Department of State, paying a fee, and taking an oath of office. Most people finish the entire process in two to four weeks.
Michigan does not require you to pass a written exam or complete formal training before becoming a notary. However, you are responsible for understanding notary law and your duties once you are commissioned. Many notaries read the Michigan notary handbook or take an optional online course to learn the rules before they start working.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, a Michigan resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary public.
- The process goes to the Michigan Department of State, not to a local office, and costs $50 for a four-year commission.
- Michigan does not require an exam, but you must understand notary law and keep detailed records of every document you notarize.
- Your commission lasts four years and can be renewed by submitting a new process and fee before it expires.
- You can notarize documents in any Michigan county once commissioned, and you can work as an independent notary or through an employer.
Meeting the Basic Requirements
You must be a Michigan resident to become a notary. This means you need a valid Michigan driver's license, state ID, or other proof that you live in the state. If you recently moved to Michigan, you can explore once your address change is official with the Secretary of State's office.
You must also be at least 18 years old and able to read and write English. The state does not check your criminal history as part of the process, but Michigan law does prohibit certain people from serving as notaries — specifically, anyone convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud. If you have questions about your own background, contact the Michigan Department of State directly before you explore.
Completing the process and Paying the Fee
read the notary process form from the Michigan Department of State website or request one by mail. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and signature. You will also need to list the county where you primarily work, though this does not limit where you can notarize documents once you are commissioned.
Mail the completed process to the Michigan Department of State, along with a check or money order for $50. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your Michigan driver's license or state ID with the process. The department processes applications in the order they arrive, typically within two to four weeks. You can mail the process to: Michigan Department of State, Notary Section, 430 West Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933.
If you want to check the status of your process, call the Notary Section at 517-373-0701. Have your name and date of birth ready when you call.
Taking the Oath of Office
Once the Michigan Department of State approves your process, they will mail you a commission certificate and an oath of office form. You must sign the oath in front of a notary public, judge, or clerk of the court. This step confirms that you understand your duties and will follow Michigan notary law.
You do not need to travel to Lansing for this step. Any notary public in Michigan can administer your oath — you can ask a friend who is a notary, visit a bank or credit union that offers notary services, or go to your local courthouse. Once you sign the oath, keep it with your commission certificate. You may need to show both documents if someone questions your authority to notarize.
Understanding Your Duties and Record-Keeping
As a notary, you are responsible for verifying that the person signing a document is who they claim to be and that they are signing of their own free will. You do not judge whether the document is fair or legal — that is not your job. You straightforward confirm the signer's identity and witness their signature.
Michigan law requires you to keep a notary journal — a record of every document you notarize. For each entry, write the date, the type of document, the signer's name, how you identified them (driver's license, passport, etc.), and any fees you charged. Keep this journal for at least five years. If someone later disputes a notarization, your journal is the only proof that you did your job correctly.
You must also use a notary seal and notary stamp on every document you notarize. You can order these from an office supply company or online. The seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," "State of Michigan," and your commission expiration date. Never notarize a document for a family member or someone you have a financial interest in — Michigan law prohibits this.
Renewing Your Commission
Your notary commission lasts four years from the date it is issued. About 30 days before it expires, the Michigan Department of State will mail you a renewal notice. To renew, complete the renewal process, pay the $50 fee, and mail both to the same address where you sent your original process.
You do not need to take another oath of office when you renew — only when you first become a notary. Your new commission certificate will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks. If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot notarize any documents until you receive your new certificate.
Working as a Notary in Michigan
Once commissioned, you can work as an independent notary or through an employer. Many notaries work part-time for banks, title companies, law offices, or real estate agencies. Others advertise their services independently and charge customers a fee for each notarization. Michigan law allows you to charge up to $10 per signature for notarizations, though you can charge less or nothing if you choose.
You can notarize documents in any Michigan county, not just the county you listed on your process. You can also notarize documents for people you do not know — you just need to verify their identity using an acceptable form of ID. Keep in mind that some documents, like powers of attorney or deeds, have specific notarization rules in Michigan, so it is worth reading the notary handbook or taking a course to understand these details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a test to become a notary in Michigan?
No. Michigan does not require a written exam or formal training to become a notary. However, you are responsible for understanding notary law once you are commissioned. Many notaries read the Michigan notary handbook or take an optional online course to learn the rules before they start notarizing documents.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
Michigan law prohibits people convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud from serving as notaries. Other criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you. If you are unsure whether your record affects your may be able to access, contact the Michigan Department of State Notary Section at 517-373-0701 before you explore.
How much can I charge for notarizing a document?
Michigan law allows you to charge up to $10 per signature. You can charge less or nothing if you choose. Some employers set the fee for you, so check with your employer if you work for a bank, law office, or title company.
What happens if my notary commission expires?
You cannot notarize any documents after your commission expires. You must renew your commission before you can work again. The Michigan Department of State will mail you a renewal notice about 30 days before your expiration date. Submit the renewal process and fee promptly to avoid a gap in your commission.
Can I notarize a document for a family member?
No. Michigan law prohibits you from notarizing documents for family members or anyone you have a financial interest in. This rule exists to prevent fraud and conflicts of interest. If someone asks you to notarize a document for a relative, direct them to another notary.