Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
$25,000
Application Fee
$25
Issuing Authority
Secretary of State
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Montana distinctive
- Montana permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
Montana authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- RULONA state (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts adopted October 1, 2015; updated October 1, 2019 for RON)
- 4-year commission term
- $25,000 surety bond REQUIRED (typically $50-$70 for 4-year term)
- 4 hours approved education REQUIRED for all applicants after July 1, 2020
- Exam REQUIRED: 50 questions, 60 minutes, 80% to pass, 3 attempts (then 3-month wait); must take within 6 months of application
Regulatory Authority
Montana 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.
Montana Code Annotated Title 1, Chapter 5, Part 6
Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts
Primary statutory authority. RULONA adopted: Yes. Effective: RULONA adopted October 1, 2015; updated with HB 370 effective October 1, 2019 for RON
MCA 1-5-604
MCA 1-5-604
Referenced in state compliance data
MCA 1-5-605
MCA 1-5-605
Referenced in state compliance data
MCA 1-5-602
MCA 1-5-602
Referenced in state compliance data
MCA 1-5-625
MCA 1-5-625
Referenced in state compliance data
MCA 30-3-510
MCA 30-3-510
Referenced in state compliance data
MCA 1-5-611
MCA 1-5-611
Referenced in state compliance data
MCA 1-5-630
MCA 1-5-630
Referenced in state compliance data
MCA 40-1-301
MCA 40-1-301
Referenced in state compliance data
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Montana?
A Montana notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Montana Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Montana?
Montana charges $25 as the application fee to the Montana Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Montana require a notary bond?
Yes. Montana requires a notary surety bond of $25,000. 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 Montana?
Montana 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 Montana?
Yes. Montana 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 Montana Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Montana notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Montana 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 Montana notaries use?
Montana 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 Montana cap notary fees?
Yes. Montana sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Contact state authority for fee information
Who regulates notaries in Montana?
Montana notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Montana Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Can Montana notaries solemnize marriages?
Yes. Montana is one of a small number of states that authorize notaries public to solemnize marriages. The exact ceremony format and recordkeeping requirements are governed by both notary law and family law in the state — consult both before officiating.
Does Montana authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Montana 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 Montana notaries perform?
Montana notaries are authorized to perform 11 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 Montana?
Start your application through the Montana Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Related Articles
Remote Online Notarization (RON): State Guide 2026
State-by-state breakdown of which jurisdictions permit RON, the technology requirements, and the additional registration steps for notaries who want to offer it.
Notary Fees by State Guide
Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Acknowledgments: 50-State Guide
Authoritative reference for acknowledgment certificate language across all 50 states, including short-form versus long-form requirements.
Get the Full Montana Compliance Guide
Step-by-step notarization guides with legal citations, fee schedules, and certificate templates.
Free during beta. No credit card required.