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A notary public is an individual commissioned by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness in taking acknowledgments, administering oaths, and performing other official acts.
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Introduction
Becoming a notary public in Michigan is a relatively simple process. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States. You must also have a valid driver’s license or other state-issued photo identification.
You will need to complete a notary application and submit it to the county clerk in the county where you live. There is a $40 fee for the application, which must be paid by check or money order. Once your application has been approved, you will need to take an oath of office and purchase a surety bond in the amount of $10,000.
After you have completed these steps, you will be able to legally notarize documents in Michigan. It is important to note that you are only authorized to perform notarial acts within the state of Michigan. If you need to notarize a document for use in another state, you will need to find a notary public who is authorized to act in that state.
What is a notary and what do they do?
A notary is a public official who is authorized by the state to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. Notaries are sometimes referred to as “notaries public.” The main purpose of a notary is to deter fraud by ensuring that the person who is signing a document is who they say they are, and that they understand what they are signing. A notary can also take statements, called “depositions,” from people who are unable to appear in court.
There are approximately 28,000 notaries in Michigan. Most work in banks, law firms, or state and local government offices. Some work as mobile notaries and travel to their clients’ homes or businesses.
The requirements to become a notary in Michigan
To become a notary in the state of Michigan, you must:
-Be at least 18 years of age
-Be a resident of Michigan or employed in the state
-Have no felony convictions
-Complete a notary training course approved by the Michigan Secretary of State
-Pass a written examination administered by the state or an approved provider
-Submit a notary application to the Michigan Secretary of State with the required $10 fee
After you have completed these requirements, you will be issued a four-year notary commission. You must renew your commission every four years and complete a renewal training course approved by the Michigan Secretary of State.
The process of becoming a notary in Michigan
Becoming a notary public in Michigan is a two-step process. First, you must pass an exam administered by the Michigan Department of State. Once you have passed the exam, you will be appointed by the county clerk in the county in which you reside.
To be eligible to become a notary public, you must:
-Be at least 18 years of age.
-Be a resident of Michigan or a member of the armed forces stationed in Michigan.
-Be able to read and write English.
-Have no felony convictions.
To take the notary public exam, you must:
-Submit a completed Notary Public License Application, which includes an Oath or Affirmation of Office form and a surety bond form.
-Pay a $40 license fee. This fee is nonrefundable and covers the cost of administering the examination as well as your notary public license.
-Schedule an appointment to take the examination by calling 888-767-6424 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. The examination is given at various locations around Michigan.
The benefits of becoming a notary in Michigan
There are many benefits to becoming a notary in Michigan. As a notary, you will be able to:
-perform wedding ceremonies
– administer oaths
– take depositions
– certify documents
Becoming a notary in Michigan is a great way to become involved in your community and to help others.
