Quick Facts
Commission Term
6.5 years
Bond
$10,000
Application Fee
$20
Issuing Authority
County Clerk (with oversight by Secretary of State)
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
Yes
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free Tier Acknowledgment
Authorized
Jurat
Authorized
Oath / Affirmation
Authorized
Affidavit
Authorized
Deposition
Authorized
Protest
Authorized
Copy Certification
— Not authorized
Bills in Chancery
— Not authorized
Witnessing
Authorized
Safe Deposit Box
Authorized
Advanced Services
Pro Tier Remote Online Notarization
Authorized
Marriage Solemnization
— Not authorized
eNotarization
Authorized
Electronic Copy Cert.
— Not authorized
Identity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
Michigan authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- Commission expires on notary's BIRTHDAY (unique to Michigan) - not less than 6 or more than 7 years from date of appointment
- ABSOLUTE copy certification prohibition (MCL 55.291) - strictest in nation - cannot certify copies of ANY documents
- Marriage solemnization NOT authorized (MCL 551.7)
- Seal OPTIONAL (can print information next to signature instead) - unlike many states
- Journal OPTIONAL for traditional notarizations (strongly recommended for liability protection); MANDATORY for RON
Regulatory Authority
Michigan Secretary of State - Office of the Great Seal
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