Notary Public Application

Notary public applicants must complete an Application for Michigan Notary Public Appointment.

This form is available from the Department of State on the Secretary of State Website.

Notary public commissions are issued for 6 to 7 years, expiring on your birthday. A new appointment is needed when your current commission expires.

Fees

• $10.00 to the Branch County Clerk’s Office.
• $10.00 check payable to State of Michigan.

Qualifications

To apply to become a Michigan notary public, you must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the county in which you request appointment (NOT the county where you work). Only an out-of-state resident must apply in the Michigan county where the principal place of business is located.

Application Process

1. Complete application available at the Secretary of State Website.
2. Obtain a $10,000 surety bond (provide application to request bond).
3. Bring application and bond to file, with $10 non-refundable filing fee to the County Clerk.
4. Applicant submits application and $10 nonrefundable application fee to the State of Michigan.
5. Office of the Great Seal reviews and processes application.
6. Application is approved (notary commission issued) or denied (denial letter sent).