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Important: Bonds NOT Required in Minnesota

Minnesota does NOT require notaries to obtain surety bonds. The bond requirement statute (Minnesota Statutes Section 359.06) was repealed in 1976. Minnesota is one of the few states with no bonding requirement.

While bonds are not required, many Minnesota notaries choose to purchase optional E&O (errors and omissions) insurance for personal financial protection against claims.

Minnesota Secretary of State

Minnesota Notary RequirementsNo Bond Required • 5-Year Term

Minnesota eliminated notary bond requirements in 1976. Simple application process with no exam or education required. Optional E&O insurance available for personal protection.

No bond requirement • Statute repealed 1976
No exam or education required
Optional E&O insurance • $25-50 annually
$0
No Bond
5 Years
Commission
$120
Commission Fee
No Exam
Required
1
2

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No Bond
Required
No Exam
Required
5 Years
Term Length
$140
Total Fees

Quick Answer

According to Minn. Stat. §359.01, Minnesota does NOT require notary bonds. The bond requirement statute (§359.06) was repealed in 1976. While bonds are not required, many notaries choose to purchase optional E&O insurance for personal protection.

What Are the Minnesota Notary Requirements?

Complete these simple steps to become a Minnesota notary public

Must be 18 years or older
Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
Must be a Minnesota resident
Must read and write English
$120 commission fee
$20 county registration fee
No bond required (statute repealed 1976)
No education or exam required

Unique Minnesota Policy: Minnesota eliminated the notary bond requirement in 1976, making it one of the most accessible states for notary commissioning. However, this also means notaries are personally liable for errors without optional E&O insurance.

Optional E&O Insurance

Protect yourself with errors and omissions coverage

Personal Protection

Covers claims without requiring reimbursement (unlike bonds)

Affordable Coverage

Typically $25-50 per year for $25,000-50,000 protection

Professional Image

Shows clients you take your responsibilities seriously

Recommended: Since Minnesota has no bond requirement, E&O insurance is your only financial protection against notary errors. A modest annual investment protects your personal assets from potential claims.

How to Become a Minnesota Notary

Follow these simple steps to get your commission

1

Verify Eligibility

Ensure you're 18+ years old, U.S. citizen or legal resident, Minnesota resident, able to read and write English.

2

Apply to Secretary of State

Submit application online or by mail. Pay $120 commission fee. No bond or exam required.

3

Receive Commission

Secretary of State issues 5-year commission certificate. Effective from date shown on certificate.

4

Register with County

Register commission with your county of residence for $20 fee. County maintains your file.

5

Purchase Supplies

Get official Minnesota notary seal and recordkeeping supplies. Consider optional E&O insurance.

6

Begin Notarizing

You're authorized to perform notarial acts throughout Minnesota for 5-year term.

Serving Notaries Throughout Minnesota

We serve all major cities across the North Star State

Minneapolis
St. Paul
Rochester
Duluth
Bloomington
Brooklyn Park
Plymouth
St. Cloud
Eagan
Woodbury

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Minnesota notary requirements

Does Minnesota require notaries to have a surety bond?
According to Minn. Stat. §359.01, Minnesota does NOT require notaries to obtain surety bonds (the bond requirement statute was repealed in 1976). While some notaries choose to purchase optional E&O insurance for personal protection, Minnesota law does not mandate bonding for notary commissions.
What are the requirements to become a Minnesota notary?
Minnesota requires: being at least 18 years old, U.S. citizenship or legal residency, Minnesota residency, ability to read and write English, paying $120 commission fee plus $20 county registration fee. No bond, education, or exam is required. Minnesota has one of the simplest notary application processes in the nation.
Is an exam required for Minnesota notaries?
No, Minnesota does not require notary applicants to complete education courses or pass examinations. The state trusts notaries to learn their duties independently, though voluntary education through organizations like the National Notary Association is recommended.
How long is a Minnesota notary commission valid?
Minnesota notary commissions are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. You must renew your commission before expiration to continue serving as a notary public in Minnesota.
Should I get E&O insurance as a Minnesota notary?
While not required, E&O (errors and omissions) insurance is strongly recommended for Minnesota notaries. Since the state eliminated mandatory bonding in 1976, notaries have no financial protection against claims unless they purchase optional E&O insurance. Coverage typically costs $25-50 per year for $25,000-50,000 in protection.
Can I notarize documents anywhere in Minnesota?
Yes, once commissioned, Minnesota notaries have statewide authority and may perform notarial acts anywhere within Minnesota's borders. You are not limited to your county of residence or registration.
What fees can Minnesota notaries charge?
Minnesota law does not set maximum notary fees. Notaries can charge whatever the market will bear, though most charge $5-15 per signature for standard notarizations. Mobile notaries often charge $25-75 plus travel fees for on-site services.
Can I notarize documents for family members in Minnesota?
While Minnesota law does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members, it is generally discouraged. A notary should not have a personal or financial interest in the transaction. The safest practice is to find an impartial notary for family documents.

Notary Bonds for Other States

Compare requirements across the nation

California
$15,000 Required
Florida
$7,500 Required
Texas
$10,000 Required
Washington
$10,000 Required

Official Minnesota Notary Resources

Minnesota Secretary of State - Become a Notary
Official application and requirements information
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 359 - Notaries Public
Complete notary public statutes (Section 359.06 bond requirement repealed 1976)
U.S. Treasury Surety Bond Program
Learn about the federal surety bond program

Official Minnesota Requirements

"Minnesota does not require notary publics to obtain a surety bond. The bond requirement statute (§359.06) was repealed in 1976."
Minnesota Secretary of State • Minnesota Statutes §359.01
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No bond required | No exam | Simple application process

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