How to Become a Notary Public in Michigan

Public notaries in the state of Michigan are responsible for witnessing signatures and verifying identification of involved individuals. A notary public works in a variety of settings including: financial institutions, mobile notary companies and self employment. But to become a notary public in Michigan you must meet eligibility requirements and complete an application. Plus, all notaries are required to be bonded; so you will need to purchase insurance as well. Here's a guide to becoming a notary public in Michigan.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ensure you meet Michigan's requirements for becoming a notary public. They require that applicants are at least 18 years old, permanent residents of Michigan and must be a legal U.S. citizen. Also, notaries can't have any felony convictions in the past 10 years, and no more then two misdemeanor offenses.

2. Request an application from the state of Michigan. When filling out your application, make sure that the address on your driver's license matches the address on your application. You will also be asked to provide a copy of your Michigan license.

3. Obtain a security bond of $10,000. This can be obtained through local insurance or bonding companies. You can contact the state of Michigan for a list of agencies (see Resources). Once you receive the bond, file it with your county clerk. This will cost $10 to process.

4. Complete a background check. The state of Michigan requires that all applicants pass a criminal background check. In your application packet materials, you will receive a background consent form. You will also need to submit fingerprints, which can be taken at your local police department.

5. Register your notary services with your county courthouse. Completing this process is the last step in becoming a notary public in Michigan. Register after you receive written confirmation that your application has been approved by the State of Michigan.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to pay the necessary fees. The fees to process your security bond are $10 and the fee for filling your application is $10.
• Don't forget to make name changes with the state of Michigan. Contact the Michigan Department of State and request an addendum form.

Resources

• State of Michigan Notary Information

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