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
What makes Michigan distinctive
- Michigan permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- Michigan's $20 application fee is among the lowest in the country (national median is $30).
- Michigan's 6.5-year commission term is longer than the national median of 4 years, meaning fewer renewals over a notary's career.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity 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
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
MCL 55.261-55.315
Michigan Law on Notarial Acts (Act 238 of 2003)
Primary statutory authority for MI notaries
MCL 55.263-55.267
Definitions
Key term definitions
MCL 55.269
Appointment of Notary Public
Commission appointment process
MCL 55.271
Qualifications
Eligibility requirements
MCL 55.273
Oath, Bond, and Filing Requirements
$10,000 bond and oath requirements
MCL 55.275
Application Format and Fees
Application process and fee structure
MCL 55.285
Performance of Notarial Acts
Primary authority for notarial acts, $10 fee cap
MCL 55.286
Electronic Notarization Systems Notification
Notification requirement for e-notarization
MCL 55.286a
Approval of Electronic Notarization Systems
Platform approval by Secretary of State
MCL 55.286b
Remote Electronic Notarization Platforms
RON platform requirements and approval
MCL 55.286c
2-Way Audiovisual Technology
RON technology requirements
MCL 55.286d
Electronic Records and Signatures
E-notarization standards
MCL 55.287
Signature, Stamp, and Seal Requirements
Seal optional, information requirements
MCL 55.291
Prohibited Conduct
Copy certification absolute prohibition, family member prohibition, immigration restrictions
MCL 55.297
Civil Liability
Notary liability for misconduct, surety bond coverage
MCL 55.300
Investigation by Secretary of State
Complaint investigation authority
MCL 55.300a
Penalties and Enforcement
Administrative penalties
MCL 55.301
Automatic Revocation
Felony conviction = 10-year disqualification
MCL 55.309
Criminal Violations
Misdemeanor and felony penalties
MCL 440.3505
Protests (UCC Article 3)
Protest procedures for negotiable instruments
MCL 551.7
Marriage Solemnization
Lists authorized marriage officiants (notaries NOT included)
MCL 600.1440
Oath Administration Authority
Authority to administer oaths
MCL 600.2159
Depositions and Oaths
Deposition authority
MCL 700.2517
Safe Deposit Boxes (Probate Code)
Safe deposit box opening procedures
MCL 750.483a
Official Proceedings
Notary as official proceeding authority
MCL 24.274
Agency Officers
Administrative authority
House Bill 5811 (2018)
RON Authorization
Authorized RON effective September 26, 2018
Public Acts 360 and 361 of 2018
RON Amendments
RON amendments effective March 12, 2019
House Bill 4644 (2024)
Uniform Power of Attorney Act
POA notarization requirements effective July 1, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Michigan?
A Michigan notary public commission is valid for 6.5 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Michigan Secretary of State - Office of the Great Seal before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Michigan?
Michigan charges $20 as the application fee to the Michigan Secretary of State - Office of the Great Seal. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Michigan require a notary bond?
Yes. Michigan requires a notary surety bond of $10,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; it is purchased from a licensed surety company, not the state.
Is a notary journal required in Michigan?
Michigan does not legally require a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended for evidentiary protection in the event of a challenged signature.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Michigan?
Michigan does not strictly require a seal or stamp for every notarial act, though one is commonly used. Check current Michigan Secretary of State - Office of the Great Seal guidance for the latest authoritative requirements before notarizing.
Can Michigan notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Michigan authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can Michigan notaries use?
Michigan notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Michigan cap notary fees?
Yes. Michigan sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum $10 per notarial act per MCL 55.285; travel fees negotiable (separate from notarial fee); notary must either conspicuously display sign OR expressly advise individual of fee amount BEFORE performing notarial act
Who regulates notaries in Michigan?
Michigan notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Michigan Secretary of State - Office of the Great Seal. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Michigan authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Michigan authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Michigan notaries perform?
Michigan notaries are authorized to perform 10 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Michigan?
Start your application through the Michigan Secretary of State - Office of the Great Seal.
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