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Last Updated:|Reflects current Michigan notary bond requirements
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Michigan Notary Bond$10,000 • 6-7 Year Term

Get your Michigan notary bond instantly. Required for all notaries in the Great Lakes State. Unique birthday-based commission terms. Download your certificate in minutes.

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$10,000 bond required by Michigan
No exam required - just read handbook
Attorneys exempt from bond requirement
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Quick Answer

According to MCL §55.291, Michigan requires a $10,000 surety bond from an admitted insurer. Most applicants receive instant approval with no credit check. You must file your bond with the county clerk where you will be appointed. Attorneys are exempt from the bond requirement.

What Are the Michigan Notary Requirements?

Standard Applicants

  • $10,000 surety bond required
  • No exam or education required
  • Read MI Notary Public Act
  • At least 18 years old
  • MI resident or MI business
  • No felonies in past 10 years

Michigan Attorneys

  • NO bond required (exempt)
  • Must be State Bar member
  • Must be in good standing
  • Oath still required
  • File with county clerk
  • Same 6-7 year term applies

How Michigan's Birthday System Works

6-Year Term: If your commission date is BEFORE your birthday in that calendar year, your commission runs for 6 years from your birthday.

7-Year Term: If your commission date is AFTER your birthday in that calendar year, your commission runs for 7 years from your birthday.

Example: Birthday June 15, commissioned March 1 = 6-year term. Birthday June 15, commissioned September 1 = 7-year term.

How to Become a Michigan Notary Public

1

Verify Eligibility

18+, MI resident or business, read/write English

2

Read Handbook

Read MI Notary Public Act (required)

3

Get $10,000 Bond

Purchase bond (attorneys exempt)

4

Apply

Complete MI application form

5

File Bond & Oath

File with county clerk, take oath

6

Get Supplies

Purchase notary seal and journal

7

Begin Notarizing

Start notarizing for 6-7 years

Michigan Markets & Industries

Automotive Capital

Detroit metro handles manufacturing contracts, parts supplier agreements, dealership documentation, and automotive technology licensing. Notaries serve GM headquarters, Ford in Dearborn, and Stellantis throughout southeast Michigan.

Great Lakes Commerce

Michigan's 3,200+ miles of Great Lakes shoreline support international shipping and port operations. Growing tech sectors in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor add software licensing and startup documentation needs.

Cities We Serve

Detroit
Grand Rapids
Ann Arbor
Warren
Sterling Heights
Lansing
Flint
Dearborn
Livonia
Troy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Michigan notary bond cost?
According to Michigan law (MCL §55.291), Michigan requires a $10,000 notary bond. Michigan notary bonds typically cost $50-$100 for the full 6-7 year term. The exact cost depends on your credit score. This is very affordable given Michigan's longer commission period compared to most states with 4-year terms.
Why does Michigan have 6-7 year terms instead of a standard term?
Michigan uses a unique birthday-based system. If your commission date is before your birthday in that calendar year, your term is 6 years from your birthday. If your commission date is after your birthday, your term is 7 years from your birthday. This ensures all commissions expire on the notary's birthday.
Do I need to take an exam to become a Michigan notary?
No, Michigan does not require a state-administered notary exam for commissioning. However, you must certify that you have carefully read the Michigan Notary Public Act before signing the declaration on your application. While not mandatory, educational courses are available and recommended.
Are Michigan attorneys required to post a notary bond?
No, attorneys in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan are not required to obtain and file a surety bond. However, attorneys must still swear an oath with the county clerk's office to receive their notary commission.
Where do I file my Michigan notary bond?
You must file your $10,000 surety bond with the county clerk in the county where you will be appointed as a notary. This is typically the county where you reside or where you maintain your principal place of business in Michigan.
What are the residency requirements for Michigan notaries?
You must be either a Michigan resident OR maintain a place of business in Michigan. You also must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or have proof of legal presence in the U.S., and be able to read and write English.
Can I become a Michigan notary if I have a felony conviction?
You cannot become a Michigan notary public if you have a felony conviction within the past 10 years. After 10 years have passed since the conviction, you may be eligible to apply for a Michigan notary commission.
How does Michigan's automotive industry affect notary demand?
Detroit's Big Three automakers (GM, Ford, Stellantis) and extensive supplier network create massive demand for notarized manufacturing contracts, parts agreements, automotive dealership documentation, and supplier contracts. Many Michigan notaries specialize in automotive industry documentation.
What fees can Michigan notaries charge?
Michigan law caps notary fees at $10 per notarial act. You cannot charge more regardless of document complexity. Mobile notaries may add reasonable travel fees for on-site services, which are not capped by statute.
Do I need a journal as a Michigan notary?
Michigan does not require notaries to keep a journal, but it is strongly recommended. A journal provides protection if your actions are ever questioned and helps track your notarial acts for tax purposes if you charge fees.

Notary Bonds for Other States

California
$15,000
4 years
Texas
$10,000
4 years
Florida
$7,500
4 years
Washington
$10,000
4 years
Pennsylvania
$10,000
4 years
Illinois
$5,000
4 years
Missouri
$10,000
4 years
Colorado
Optional
4 years

Official Michigan Notary Resources

Michigan Secretary of State - Notary Services

430 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48918 | Phone: (517) 322-1460

Visit Official Website →

U.S. Department of Treasury - Surety Bond Program

Federal surety bond program oversight and carrier certification

Visit Treasury Website →
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Official Michigan Requirements

"Michigan law requires notary publics to obtain a surety bond in the amount of $10,000."
Michigan Secretary of State • Michigan Compiled Laws §55.291

Get Your Michigan Notary Bond Today

Instant approval • $10,000 bond • 6-7 year coverage • Download in minutes

1
2

Get Your Michigan Notary Bond

Instant approval • Download in minutes

Bond amount will auto-populate for your state

$

Automatically filled based on state requirement

✓ No credit check • 99.7% approval rate • Instant download

Your information is secure and will only be shared with serving, pre-screened agents. By submitting this form, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and consent to receive calls, emails, and text messages from us and our serving partner agents regarding surety bond services. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time.