For Notaries · Michigan
How to Become a Notary in Michigan
To become a notary in Michigan, be at least 18, able to read and write English, and a Michigan resident or worker. File a $10,000 surety bond with your county clerk, take the oath, and submit a $10 application to the Secretary of State. Commissions run 6 to 7 years and no exam is required.
Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
Michigan notaries are commissioned through the Michigan Department of State's Office of the Great Seal, but unlike many states the process actually starts at your county clerk. After you secure a $10,000 surety bond, you file it and take your oath of office with the county clerk, then submit a $10 application to the Secretary of State. Michigan stands out for its unusual commission length: 6 to 7 years, always expiring on your birthday, rather than a flat 4-year term. There is no state exam and no required training course. Remote online notarization is fully available too, and your existing commission covers it once you notify the state and onboard with an approved vendor.
Michigan Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Eligibility | At least 18 years old; a U.S. citizen or with legal presence; a Michigan resident (or maintaining a place of business in the state); a resident of the county where you apply (non-residents apply in their county of employment); able to read and write English; and with no felony conviction in the past 10 years and no disqualifying misdemeanor violations of the Michigan Notary Public Act. |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | $10,000 surety bond, filed with your county clerk. Premiums are typically low (often around $50 for the full term). Attorneys in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan are exempt from the bond requirement (since April 1, 2007). |
| State filing fee | $10 to the Michigan Secretary of State, plus a county clerk oath/filing fee of about $10 (may vary slightly by county). |
| Commission term | 6 to 7 years, expiring on the notary's birthday. |
| Notary education | Not required. Michigan does not mandate a state-approved training course. |
| Exam | Not required. Michigan does not require a proctored notary exam. |
A Michigan notary public commission runs a 6-to-7-year term that expires on the notary's birthday and requires a $10,000 surety bond; Michigan requires no exam and no training course. — Michigan Department of State — Office of the Great Seal
How to Become a Notary in Michigan: Step by Step
- 1
Confirm you're eligible
You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or with legal presence, able to read and write English, and a Michigan resident (or maintain a place of business in the state). You apply in the county where you live, or, if you're a non-resident, in your county of employment. You cannot have a felony conviction within the past 10 years or disqualifying misdemeanor violations of the Notary Public Act.
- 2
Buy a $10,000 surety bond
Purchase a $10,000 notary surety bond from a company licensed in Michigan. The bond protects the public, not you, so consider separate errors-and-omissions coverage. Attorneys in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan are exempt from this requirement.
- 3
File your bond and take the oath at the county clerk
Bring your bond to your county clerk's office, file it, and take the constitutional oath of office. You'll pay a small county filing/oath fee (about $10). This step comes before the state application in Michigan.
- 4
Apply to the Secretary of State
Submit your notary public application to the Michigan Department of State (Office of the Great Seal) with the $10 application fee. You can apply online or by mail after your bond and oath are on file with the county clerk.
- 5
Receive your commission and start notarizing
Once approved, your commission runs 6 to 7 years and expires on your birthday. Order a notary stamp with the required Michigan wording, and if you want to notarize remotely, file Form 99 with the Office of the Great Seal and onboard with an approved vendor.
How to Become an Online (Remote) Notary in Michigan
Michigan permits remote online notarization, and your standard commission covers it — the state does not issue a separate RON commission. Once commissioned, notify the Office of the Great Seal using Form 99 (Electronic & Remote Notary Request for Change), identify an approved technology vendor from the state's list, and submit proof that you are onboarded. Notaries performing remote acts must keep a journal and retain it for at least 10 years.
Online / remote notary application fee: No separate state fee — the Form 99 filing is free; you pay your chosen approved vendor's platform subscription.
Remote and electronic notarization are operative in Michigan under the Michigan Law on Notarial Acts (MiLONA); no separate remote commission is issued.
See how RON is authorized in Michigan — and state by state →
Walk through the Michigan remote online notarization process →
Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Michigan
Michigan allows remote online notarization, so once you hold a Michigan commission you can register to notarize for signers who appear over live video — and take on assigned online signings.
| Traditional (in-person) notary | Remote online notary (RON) | |
|---|---|---|
| How the signer appears | In person, in the same room | Over a live, recorded audio-video call |
| Available in Michigan? | Yes | Available now — register once commissioned |
| What you need | Seal and journal | An approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and a digital certificate |
| Where the work comes from | Local, walk-in and mobile appointments | Nationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary |
What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Michigan?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| State application fee (Secretary of State) | $10 (fixed by the state) |
| County clerk oath/filing fee | About $10 (may vary by county) |
| $10,000 surety bond | Premium varies (often about $50 for the term) |
| Notary stamp & supplies | Varies by provider |
| Remote/electronic notary vendor (optional) | Vendor subscription varies; no separate state fee |
See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.
Turn Your Michigan Commission Into Income
Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with assigned, paid remote signings — so your commission actually earns. Learn how Michigan notaries earn, check the platform requirements for Michigan notaries, and browse become-a-notary guides for other states.
Join USA Notary as a notaryFrequently Asked Questions
Becoming a Notary in Other States
Requirements differ by state — here are nearby East North Central guides and other popular states. See the full 50-state directory.
About the author
Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC
CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC
Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.
Connect on LinkedInOfficial sources
- Michigan Secretary of State — Notary (Office of the Great Seal)
- Michigan Secretary of State — Notary Services
- American Society of Notaries — Michigan Requirements
- Michigan SOS — Electronic & Remote Notary Request for Change (Form 99)
This guide summarizes public requirements from Michigan's notary authority and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with your state before applying.