Michigan Notary Bond Requirements

Is a notary bond required in Michigan?

Yes. Under MCL 55.273, a person must file a $10,000 surety bond with the county clerk of their residence (or expected appointment) within 90 days before filing an application for appointment. The bond must be issued by a surety licensed to do business in Michigan, and the county clerk may not accept an applicant’s personal assets as security.

The bond protects the public. It is “conditioned upon indemnifying or reimbursing a person, financing agency, or governmental agency for monetary loss caused through the official misconduct of the notary public in the performance of a notarial act.” The surety must pay only after a judgment based on official misconduct is entered against the notary, and the surety’s aggregate liability cannot exceed the bond amount. A surety may cancel the bond 60 days after notifying the notary, the Secretary, and the county clerk.

One exception applies: after April 1, 2007, attorneys who are members in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan are not required to file a surety bond, though they must still take the oath of office.

How to become a notary in Michigan

1. Confirm eligibility and obtain a $10,000 surety bond (unless you are an exempt Michigan attorney).
2. Within 90 days before applying, file the bond and take the oath of office with the county clerk of your residence or expected appointment, paying the $10 filing fee (some counties may charge more).
3. Submit the notary public application to the Michigan Department of State (Office of the Great Seal).
4. Once appointed, use your commission anywhere in Michigan, keeping the bond in force for the life of the commission.

Bond vs. E&O insurance in Michigan

Michigan requires the $10,000 bond (with the attorney exemption noted above); it does not require errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. The bond protects members of the public harmed by a notary’s official misconduct — and because a bond is not personal coverage, a notary who causes a loss can be required to reimburse the surety. E&O insurance is a separate, optional product that protects the notary’s own finances against claims and defense costs from good-faith mistakes. Many Michigan notaries add E&O coverage on top of the required bond, but the state does not require it.

Renewing your Michigan commission

Michigan does not have a renewal process. A commission runs not less than 6 and not more than 7 years and ends on the notary’s birthday, and each time it expires you must apply for a brand-new appointment — which means filing a new bond and taking a new oath with the county clerk. It is the notary’s responsibility to apply no more than 60 days before the current commission expires so there is no gap in authority.

Remote online notarization in Michigan

Michigan participates in electronic and remote notarizations. The Department of State’s Office of the Great Seal administers the requirements for performing these acts. Because the technology and registration requirements are set administratively, confirm the current process for electronic and remote notarization with the Department of State before notarizing electronically or for remotely located signers.

Non-resident notaries in Michigan

Michigan ties the bond and oath filing to the county clerk of the applicant’s residence or expected appointment, so eligibility is centered on a Michigan connection. Applicants should confirm current residency and place-of-business requirements with the Department of State before applying.