Quick Facts
Commission Term
5 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$120
Issuing Authority
Minnesota Secretary of State
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Minnesota distinctive
- Minnesota does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Minnesota's $120 application fee is well above the national median of $30.
- Minnesota's 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 Not Available
Minnesota does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- No Bond Required - UNIQUE: Minnesota does not require notaries to obtain surety bond (optional E&O insurance available)
- 5-Year Commission Term - Expires January 31 of fifth year after issue (e.g., 2025 commission expires Jan 31, 2030)
- Bordering State Residents - UNIQUE: Residents of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin may apply for Minnesota notary commission by designating Minnesota county for filing
- RON Since January 1, 2019 - Remote online notarization permanently authorized under Minn. Stat. § 358.645
- RON Separate Authorization - $75 fee to Secretary of State for RON authorization (separate from $120 traditional commission fee)
Regulatory Authority
Minnesota Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
Minn. Stat. § 358.51
Definitions - Notarial acts
Minn. Stat. § 358.52
Requirements for certain notarial acts
Minn. Stat. § 358.54
Personal appearance required - Spouse disqualification
Minn. Stat. § 358.57
Personal knowledge and satisfactory evidence of identity
Minn. Stat. § 358.645
Remote Online Notary Public
Minn. Stat. § 358.66
Short form certificates
Minn. Stat. § 357.17
Maximum fees for notaries public
Minn. Stat. § 359.01
Notaries public - Powers
Minn. Stat. § 359.03
Appointment - Term
Minn. Stat. § 359.061
Notarial seal
Minn. Stat. § 517.04
Who may perform marriage ceremonies
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Minnesota?
A Minnesota notary public commission is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Minnesota Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Minnesota?
Minnesota charges $120 as the application fee to the Minnesota Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Minnesota require a notary bond?
No. Minnesota does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in Minnesota?
Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Minnesota Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Minnesota notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Minnesota does not currently authorize remote online notarization. In-person notarization remains the only recognized method, though state law in this area changes rapidly — verify with the Minnesota Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Minnesota notaries use?
Minnesota 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 Minnesota cap notary fees?
Yes. Minnesota sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum fees per Minn. Stat. § 357.17: $5 for protest of nonpayment/nonacceptance and copy; $5 for every other protest and copy; $5 for making and serving notice; $5 per folio for affidavit or paper not otherwise specified, $1 per folio for copies; $5 per oath administered; $5 for acknowledgments and other authorized services; $5 per folio for recording; RON fees same as traditional; notary may charge less or nothing; travel fees separate
Who regulates notaries in Minnesota?
Minnesota notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Minnesota Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
What notarial acts can Minnesota notaries perform?
Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Start your application through the Minnesota Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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