Notary Public in Michigan
Browse 138 cities in Michigan to find a notary public near you.
Michigan notary commissions run an unusual variable term — not less than 6 and not more than 7 years, always ending on the notary's birthday. The state has a recovering and growing real estate market with strong notary demand in the Detroit metro area, Grand Rapids, and Lansing for mortgage documents, corporate filings, and legal paperwork. The fee cap is $10 per signature. Remote online notarization is legal statewide, used widely by Michigan's mortgage and title industry. Michigan requires a $10,000 bond to become a notary but no training course or exam — a more accessible path than states that require both.
Is this notary really commissioned?
Anyone can claim to be a notary. Before you rely on one for an important document, it costs nothing to check that their commission is real, active, and hasn't expired.
Michigandoesn't offer a free public tool to look up an individual notary's commission status online. To verify one, contact the Michigan Department of State — Office of the Great Seal at www.michigan.gov/sos/professional-services/notary directly.
What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, Michigan law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at $10 per notarial act. A notary who charges more than the legal maximum for a standard act is breaking the law — you're entitled to ask what they charge before they begin.
What to expect
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — the notary can't proceed without one.
- Your notary is required to record the transaction in a journal — expect to sign it and provide some basic details.
- Every document is marked with the notary's official stamp or seal, confirming the notarization is complete.
Remote Online Notarization
Michigan has adopted RON — documents can be notarized over a live video call.
Full RON details →For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in Michigan
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 6 years |
| Surety bond | $10,000 bond required |
| Training course | Not required |
| State exam | Not required |
Total cost to become a notary in Michigan typically runs $70–$80, covering the application, bond, and supplies.
Full guide to becoming a notary →Sourced from the National Notary Association, verified July 2026. Confirm current requirements with the Michigan Department of State — Office of the Great Seal.