Notary Public Information

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CHANGES TO NOTARY PUBLIC LAW, effective April 1, 2007. Use this link www.michigan.gov/documents/Summary_of_Changes_84046_7.pdf

 

To become a notary you must bring to the County Clerk’s office three things.  They are:  Your Notary application for the Great Seal, your Notary bond and your driver’s license.   We accept for payment, cash or a check.

It is the responsibility of a Notary Public to certify that the person or person(s) signing a document in front of him/her has produced the proper legal identification to make sure they are the person stated on the document.

(The new legislation strictly prohibits notarizing for a family member.)

Qualifications
• You must be at least 18 years of age
• A resident of the county in which you request appointment
• An out-of-state resident must apply in the county in which his/her principal place of business is located.

Application Procedure
• Obtain a $10,000.00 notary bond from a bonding company or insurance agency with your   name exactly as you wish to be commissioned.  (Licensed attorneys in Michigan are not required to file a surety bond, but must bring in the application to the County Clerk’s office)
• File the bond in person at the County Clerk’s Office along with the filing fee of $10.00. 
• Complete the application for Michigan Notary Public Appointment (available at our office) and present it along with the bond to the county clerk with a separate check made payable to State of Michigan for $10.00.
• Print or type your name on the application exactly the way you wish to be commissioned. (It must match your notary bond).
• Sign the application the way you wish to be appointed. An original signature is required.
• Our office will give you the oath and send your application and the State of Michigan fee (non-refundable) to the Office of the Great Seal.

Notification of Appointment
• After a commission is issued, the State will send you a wallet-size certificate.  At that time your commission will be valid and you can start notarizing.


Important – You may not act as a notary public until you receive your certificate in the mail. If you have further questions you can call our office at 517-543-2426.