How to Become a Notary in Michigan (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your Michigan notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official Michigan state sources.
A state-by-state reference covering notary fee caps, remote online notarization (RON) availability, and step-by-step instructions for getting documents notarized from home. Know your rights and the legal maximums before you pay a notary.
See exactly what you get- All 50 states — fee caps for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and RON
- RON status for every state — which states allow remote online notarization in 2026
- Step-by-step guide to getting documents notarized via video call
- Mobile notary tips — what to ask upfront, how to avoid overcharging
- Instant download — open in any browser, print to PDF
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How to Become a Notary in Michigan — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in Michigan, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of Michigan or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Obtain your $10,000 surety bond
Michigan requires a $10,000 surety bond before you can be commissioned. Purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company; the bond company sets the premium. The bond protects the public from errors you may make as a notary; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application to the County Clerk
File your completed notary application with the County Clerk and pay the $20 application fee. Include proof of your surety bond with the application. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — by the deadline in your commission letter. In Michigan, the County Clerk administers the oath.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official Michigan notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the County Clerk requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in Michigan. Traditional notary fees in Michigan: up to $10 per act (state-capped). Michigan also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), capped at $10 per act — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your Michigan Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for Michigan. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
Michigan Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $20 |
| Commission term | 6 years |
| Surety bond | $10,000 face value (premium set by the bond company) |
| Exam | Not required |
| Education course | Not required |
| Filing office | County Clerk |
| RON available | Yes |
| Fees charged by the state (application + exam) | $20 |
Total fee: $10 (SOS) + $10 (county clerk). Commission runs from appointment date to the notary's birthday in the 6th or 7th year. Oath taken at the County Clerk's office.
What Can a Michigan Notary Charge?
Michigan caps notary fees at $10 per notarial act. Remote online notarizations are capped at $10. $10 per act. Notaries must inform signers of fees. Travel fees allowed with guidelines.
Source: Michigan Notary Fee Authority ↗
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a Michigan Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your Michigan notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.