NOTARY PUBLIC
A Notary Public is an officer commissioned by the Michigan Secretary of State to serve as an unbiased and impartial witness. Commissioned notaries have the power to attest to the authenticity of a person's signature, to administer oaths and to take affidavits.
Notarization on a document certifies that the person whose signature is entered on the document appeared in person before the notary, displayed valid ID and signed the document in the notary's presence.
To apply to become a Michigan Notary public you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a Michigan resident or maintain a place of business in Michigan
- Be a U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal presence
- Be a resident of the county in which you request appointment or maintain a principal place of business
- Read and write English language
- Be free of any felony or misdemeanor convictions, or violations as specified
- Not be imprisoned in any state, county or federal correctional facility
Application forms are available in the County Clerk's Office or from the Michigan Secretary of State.
For electronic copies of the Notary Public Act, follow this link.
Once you have completed the application form, you must obtain a surety bond through an insurance agency and file the bond and a $10.00 fee with the County Clerk.
At the time of filing at the County Clerk's Office, an Oath of Office will be administered. After the clerk verifies that you have complied with all requirements, you will be asked to sign the application. You will then be required to mail your completed application to the "State of Michigan" along with a check or money order to:
Your notary commission will be mailed directly to your address in approximately 5-10 working days after it is received by the state.
Notary commissions expire six (6) years from your next birthday at time of commission issuance.
Report any change of name or address to the Office of the Great Seal on the approved form.
If your certificate of appointment becomes lost, mutilated or illegible, you shall promptly apply to the Secretary of State for a duplicate. The application shall be made on a Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change form, prescribed by the Sec. Of State and accompanied by a $10.00 fee.
Please direct any questions to the Office of the Great Seal or by calling 1-888-767-6424. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Closed for all legal holidays.
For more information, call the Montmorency County Clerk at 989-785-8022.