Notary Public in Wisconsin
Browse 111 cities in Wisconsin to find a notary public near you.
Wisconsin notaries are appointed by the Secretary of State and serve a 4-year commission. Milwaukee and Madison have active real estate markets and legal communities, with mobile notaries commonly serving both urban professionals and rural property transactions across this primarily agricultural state. The fee cap is $5 per signature. Remote online notarization is legal in Wisconsin. Wisconsin's notary bond is unusually low at just $500 — a fraction of the $10,000+ many neighboring states require — with no training or exam mandated either.
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.
Wisconsin notaries are commissioned by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, which provides a free public commission lookup.
Verify a Wisconsinnotary's commission →What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, Wisconsin law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at $5 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
Wisconsin has adopted RON — documents can be notarized over a live video call.
Full RON details →For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in Wisconsin
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | $500 bond required |
| Training course | Not required |
| State exam | Not required |
Total cost to become a notary in Wisconsin typically runs $75, 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 Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.