Michigan Notary Bond Requirements, Cost & Application

Michigan Notary Bond Requirements, Cost & Application Guide

Becoming a notary public in Michigan requires several steps, including obtaining a $10,000 surety bond for most applicants. A surety authorized to do business in Michigan must issue the bond, and you must file it with the appropriate county clerk before completing the commissioning process.

The good news is that you do not pay $10,000 to purchase the bond. Michigan notary bonds generally cost between $50 and $100, according to the Michigan Department of State.

This guide explains Michigan notary bond requirements, bond costs, who qualifies for an exemption, how to complete the application process, and the difference between a required surety bond and optional Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance.

What Is a Michigan Notary Surety Bond?

A Michigan notary surety bond is a financial guarantee required as part of the state’s notary commissioning process. It protects members of the public who suffer qualifying financial losses resulting from a notary’s official misconduct.

The required bond amount is $10,000. This represents the surety’s maximum aggregate obligation under the bond, not the price the applicant pays to obtain it.

A notary bond involves three parties:

• Principal: The notary public who obtains the bond.
• Obligee: The State of Michigan, which requires the bond.
• Surety: The company issuing the financial guarantee.

Unlike traditional insurance, a surety bond does not primarily protect the purchaser. If the surety pays a valid claim, it may seek reimbursement from the notary.

Who Needs a $10,000 Michigan Notary Bond?

Most individuals applying for a Michigan notary public commission must obtain and file a $10,000 surety bond.

This generally includes:

• First-time Michigan notary applicants
• Existing notaries applying for another commission
• Mobile notaries
• Notaries performing services for businesses or employers
• Individuals who regularly notarize real estate, financial, or legal documents

The bond requirement is connected to the notary commission, not the number of notarizations performed. Even someone who expects to notarize documents only occasionally generally needs the required bond unless an exemption applies.

Are Michigan Attorneys Exempt From the Notary Bond Requirement?

Yes. Attorneys who are members in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan are exempt from Michigan’s notary surety bond requirement.

However, an exemption from the bond requirement does not automatically eliminate every other commissioning requirement. Attorneys should follow the Michigan Department of State’s applicable application and oath instructions.

Who Can Become a Notary Public in Michigan?

Before purchasing a surety bond, applicants should confirm that they meet Michigan’s eligibility requirements.

Michigan generally requires applicants to:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a Michigan resident or maintain a qualifying place of business in Michigan.
• Be a United States citizen or possess proof of legal presence.
• Meet the applicable county residency or principal-place-of-business requirement.
• Be able to read and write in English.
• Meet Michigan’s requirements concerning felony convictions and notary-related violations.
• Obtain and file the required surety bond unless exempt.
• Complete the required oath of office.
• Certify that the application information is accurate and agree to perform notarial acts faithfully.

Michigan also prohibits individuals currently serving a term of imprisonment in a correctional facility from being appointed or serving as a notary.

For complete eligibility rules, consult the Michigan Department of State Notary Application.

How Much Does a Michigan Notary Bond Cost?

The Michigan Department of State states that a $10,000 notary surety bond generally costs between $50 and $100.

The actual price may depend on the bond provider and whether you purchase additional products or services.

Remember that the bond premium is separate from the county and state application fees.

Michigan Notary Application Cost Breakdown

Based on the state’s published typical bond price and standard fees, many applicants can expect approximately $70–$120 for the bond and basic county/state fees combined. This estimate excludes optional E&O insurance, supplies, additional transaction charges, and higher county fees.

How to Get a Michigan Notary Bond and Apply for Your Commission

Michigan’s notary application process involves both the county clerk and the Michigan Department of State.

Follow these steps to obtain the bond and complete the commissioning process.

Step 1: Complete the Michigan Notary Public Application.

Start by completing the official Michigan Notary Public Application.

Michigan offers both online and paper application options. The Department of State encourages online applications because they receive priority processing.

Online applicants begin the application through Michigan’s Online Services system and print the completed application for the county clerk portion of the process.

Carefully check the spelling of your name and other identifying information. Your application, bond, and county records should match.

Start the official Michigan Notary Application.

Step 2: Purchase Your $10,000 Michigan Notary Surety Bond

Obtain the required $10,000 surety bond from a company authorized to issue surety bonds in Michigan.

The bond must satisfy Michigan’s requirements and be appropriate for the notary commission.

Review the bond information carefully, especially your name and other identifying details, before taking it to the county clerk.

Step 3: File the Bond With the County Clerk and Take the Oath

Take the completed application and surety bond to the appropriate county clerk.

Michigan residents generally complete this step in their county of residence. Qualifying nonresident applicants generally use the county where they maintain their principal place of business in Michigan.

The county clerk will:

• Review the required documents.
• File the surety bond.
• Administer the Oath of Office.
• Collect the applicable county fee.
• Complete the county portion of the application.

The county fee is generally $10, although some counties charge more.

Step 4: Submit the Completed Application to Michigan

After completing the county clerk requirements, submit the processed application to the Michigan Department of State.

If you started the application online, you can upload the completed application and pay the state’s $10 nonrefundable processing fee through Michigan’s Online Services system.

Applicants using the paper process can mail the completed application and payment according to the instructions published by the Office of the Great Seal.

Michigan gives online applications priority. Processing times vary, and mailed applications can take substantially longer.

Step 5: Confirm Your Michigan Notary Commission Is Active

Purchasing the bond, filing it with the county clerk, and submitting the application do not automatically authorize you to begin performing notarizations.

Wait until Michigan approves your application and your commission is valid.

Review your official commission information, including your commissioned name, county, and expiration date.

How Long Does a Michigan Notary Commission Last?

Michigan notary public commissions generally last six to seven years.

The commission expires on the notary’s birthday. Michigan determines the official expiration date when it issues the commission.

Do not use the expiration date printed on the surety bond as the official commission expiration date. Always rely on the information issued by the Michigan Department of State.

How Do You Renew a Michigan Notary Commission?

Michigan notary commissions do not renew automatically. To continue serving, a notary must complete the reappointment process before the current commission expires.

The Michigan Department of State recommends completing the reappointment process within the final 60 days of the current commission to avoid a gap in commission dates.

For most applicants, this involves obtaining a new $10,000 surety bond and completing the applicable county and state application requirements again.

Review the official Michigan Notary Services instructions before applying for another commission.

What Does a Michigan Notary Bond Cover?

The required Michigan notary surety bond protects members of the public against certain monetary losses resulting from a notary’s official misconduct.

Under Michigan law, a surety’s payment obligation is subject to specific legal requirements, including a qualifying court judgment. The bond’s aggregate liability is limited to $10,000.

The bond does not provide the same protection as an insurance policy covering the notary’s own liability.

Can the Surety Seek Reimbursement From the Notary?

Yes. If the surety pays a valid bond claim, it may seek reimbursement from the notary according to the bond agreement and applicable law.

This is one of the most important differences between a surety bond and optional notary Errors & Omissions insurance.

Michigan Notary Bond vs. Errors & Omissions Insurance

Michigan notary bonds and notary E&O insurance serve different purposes. Most applicants must carry a surety bond, while E&O insurance is optional.

For a more detailed discussion of coverage, liability, common errors, and exclusions, read our Michigan Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance Guide.

Do Michigan Notaries Need E&O Insurance?

Michigan does not require notaries to purchase Errors & Omissions insurance. However, some notaries consider it because the required surety bond does not protect them personally.

E&O insurance may be particularly worth reviewing for notaries who regularly handle important documents, work with multiple clients, or perform mobile notary services.

Coverage depends on the policy. E&O insurance generally does not cover every possible mistake or act, and it may exclude intentional misconduct, fraud, or dishonest acts.

Common Michigan Notary Application Mistakes

Application errors can delay the commissioning process. Before submitting your paperwork, review these common issues.

• Incorrect bond amount: Most applicants need the full $10,000 surety bond.
• Inconsistent names: Application and bond information should match.
• Wrong county: Confirm the appropriate county clerk based on residency or qualifying business location.
• Missing oath: The oath is required for the commissioning process.
• Incomplete application: Review all required fields and signatures.
• Missing fees: Budget for both county and state charges.
• Assuming bond purchase completes the process: State approval is still required.
• Using the wrong expiration date: Rely on the state-issued commission information rather than the bond expiration date.
• Waiting too long to reapply: Begin the reappointment process within Michigan’s recommended timeframe.

Request Your $10,000 Michigan Notary Bond.

If you are applying for a new Michigan notary commission or preparing for reappointment, use the form below to request the required $10,000 surety bond.

If you are also interested in optional Errors & Omissions insurance, include that information with your request.

After obtaining the bond, remember to complete the county clerk filing, oath, and remaining Michigan Department of State application requirements before performing notarial acts.

Michigan Notary Bond Frequently Asked Questions

Is a $10,000 notary bond required in Michigan?

Most Michigan notary applicants must obtain a $10,000 surety bond and file it with the appropriate county clerk. Michigan attorneys in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan are generally exempt from the bond requirement.

How much does a Michigan notary bond cost?

According to the Michigan Department of State, a $10,000 notary surety bond generally costs between $50 and $100. The actual price depends on the provider and any additional products purchased.

Where do I file my Michigan notary bond?

Michigan residents generally file the bond with the county clerk in their county of residence. Qualifying nonresident applicants generally file in the county where they maintain their principal place of business in Michigan.

Can I apply to become a Michigan notary online?

Yes. Michigan offers an online application process. Applicants still need to obtain the required bond, complete the county clerk filing and oath, and submit the completed application for state approval.

How long does a Michigan notary commission last?

Michigan notary commissions generally last six to seven years and expire on the notary’s birthday. The Michigan Department of State sets the official expiration date.

Do I need a new bond when my Michigan notary commission expires?

Most notaries applying for another commission must obtain a new $10,000 surety bond and complete the applicable reappointment requirements. Michigan attorneys in good standing may qualify for the bond exemption.

Does a Michigan notary bond protect the notary?

No. The required surety bond protects the public. If the surety pays a valid claim, it may seek reimbursement from the notary.

Is notary E&O insurance required in Michigan?

No. Notary Errors & Omissions insurance is optional in Michigan. It provides a different form of protection from the required surety bond.

Can I start notarizing as soon as I buy the bond?

No. Purchasing the bond is only one part of the commissioning process. Applicants must complete the county and state requirements and wait until the commission is valid before performing notarial acts.

Is a notary stamp required in Michigan?

Michigan does not generally require a traditional embossed notary seal. However, notaries must include the legally required identifying information on notarized documents. A stamp may make it easier to provide that information consistently.

Official Michigan Notary Resources

Michigan’s notary requirements are established by state law and administered by the Michigan Department of State. Applicants should verify current procedures, fees, and eligibility requirements before applying.

• Michigan Department of State Notary Services — General requirements, qualifications, commissions, and renewal information.
• Michigan Notary Application — Official application instructions and online application access.
• Michigan Notary Frequently Asked Questions — State guidance on common notary questions.

Ready to Get Your Michigan Notary Bond?

The required $10,000 surety bond is an important step toward becoming a Michigan notary public. Understanding the bond requirement, application process, filing fees, and optional insurance choices can help you avoid delays and complete the process correctly.

If you are ready to apply or need a bond for another commission, request a Michigan notary bond quote using the form above.

📝 Request a Michigan Notary Bond 📞 Call 248-888-1134.

Last Updated on October 17, 2026 by iMichigan Insurance Editorial Team · Reviewed by a licensed Michigan insurance agent