Michigan Notary Surety Bond: $10,000, No Exam
The Michigan notary surety bond is a $10,000 bond required by MCL 55.273. Michigan's notary commission term is either 6 or 7 years depending on when your commission date falls relative to your birthday — a quirk that is easy to miss. No exam, no education course, and attorneys are completely exempt from the bond. Your $10,000 bond is filed in person with your county clerk per MCL 55.273. Learn what a surety bond is or read how to get a surety bond. Compare what a $10,000 surety bond costs for other bond types.
Birthday-rule check: we confirm your exact 6 or 7-year term before your bond is issued so the dates match your commission. No payment until your bond is issued · No obligation.
- Who requires it: Michigan Secretary of State (MCL 55.273, PA 238 of 2003).
- Amount: $10,000 for a 6- or 7-year commission term, depending on the birthday rule.
- Typical cost (estimate): about $30–$50 for the full 6-7 year commission term. The surety sets the final price.
- Timing: We submit complete applications to the carrier promptly; most quotes within one business day.
How to Get Your Michigan Notary Commission
Michigan requires an in-person appearance at your county clerk's office — you cannot complete the process entirely online. Understanding how surety bonds work helps before you file. See our step-by-step guide to getting a surety bond and the notary bond requirements by state for additional context.
Complete Online Application
Apply at michigan.gov/sos. Online applications are prioritized and processed within days. Mail applications take 4-6 weeks.
Print Your Application
After completing the online form, print the completed application to bring to the county clerk.
Purchase Your $10,000 Bond
Get a fast quote through BuySuretyBonds.com. Confirm 6 or 7 year term based on the birthday rule. The surety must be licensed in Michigan — verify at michigan.gov/difs.
Visit County Clerk In Person
Appear at the county clerk's office in your county of residence (or principal place of business). Bring your printed application and bond. Pay the $10 county filing fee (Wayne County charges more). Take the Constitutional Oath administered by the clerk. Receive your County Seal and Certification.
Pay State Processing Fee
Log into your michigan.gov account and pay $10 online to the Secretary of State. Or mail a $10 check/money order to: Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal, 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918.
Begin Notarizing
Your commission is effective once processed. Michigan charges $10 max per notarial act (MCL 55.285). You must display your fee schedule conspicuously.
The Birthday Rule: 6 or 7 Years?
Many guides say “6-year term.” That's not always correct. Michigan's commission term depends on your birthday:
Commission date falls before your birthday in that calendar year
Commission date falls after your birthday in that calendar year
Your surety bond must match your commission length. When purchasing, confirm whether you need a 6 or 7 year bond. For general pricing across all bond types, see our surety bond cost guide. Compare Michigan's unique birthday rule to neighboring Ohio (bond only for e-estate planning), Indiana ($25,000, 8-year term), and Illinois ($5K–$30K tiered system).
Attorney Exemption
Attorneys in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan are exempt from both obtaining and filing a surety bond. You must still appear at the county clerk's office, take the Constitutional Oath, and receive the County Seal and Certification. Source: PA 238 of 2003.
No Education or Exam
Michigan is one of the few states that does not require any education course or examination for notary applicants. You must be 18+, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, a Michigan resident (or maintain a principal place of business here), and able to read and write English.
Not enacted: HB 5898/5899 (2024)
Introduced in 2024 in the 102nd Legislature, these bills proposed a notary education curriculum and a proctored exam. They stayed in “Introduced” status when that session ended — not enacted. Watch for similar bills in later sessions. Source: legislature.mi.gov.
Official Michigan Requirements
"An applicant for appointment and commission as a notary public shall file an individual surety bond in the amount of $10,000 with the county clerk of the county in which the applicant resides."Michigan Secretary of State • MCL 55.273, PA 238 of 2003
Michigan Notary Bond Premium by Credit Score
Based on a $10,000 bond amount
- Excellent (720+)Rate: 0.5-1%$30-40
- Good (660-719)Rate: 1-2%$40-55
- Fair (600-659)Rate: 2-4%$55-100
- Below Average (500-599)Rate: 4-8%$100-200
- Poor (below 500)Rate: 8-15%$200-375
Premium covers the full 6 or 7 year commission — not annual. Most Michigan applicants pay $30-55 total.
Try our notary bond calculator for a quick estimate. Full pricing at surety bond cost.
How Much Does a Michigan Notary Bond Cost?
The $10,000 Michigan notary bond typically costs $40–$75 for the full 6-7 year commission term — many notary bonds don’t require a credit check. That works out to roughly $6–$11 per year of coverage. The bond premium is flat-rate for most applicants. For a detailed breakdown, see our surety bond cost guide or use the notary bond calculator. Compare bond vs. insurance or bond vs. cash deposit.
Get Your Michigan Notary Bond — No Exam Needed
$10,000 bond, fast quote, download before your county clerk visit.
Get Your Bond NowFee Schedule & Costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| County clerk filing fee | $10* |
| State processing fee (SOS) | $10 |
| Bond premium (market rate) | $30-55 |
| Max fee per notarial act | $10 |
*Wayne County charges higher. Contact the Wayne County Clerk for exact fees. Source: MCL 55.285 (fees), MCL 55.311 (application fees).
Fee Display Requirement
MCL 55.285 requires notaries to conspicuously display a sign showing their fee schedule, or expressly advise the signer of the fee before performing the act. Travel fees are separate and negotiable between the notary and client.
Eligibility & Disqualification
Requirements (MCL 55.271)
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or proof of legal presence
- Michigan resident (or principal place of business)
- Able to read and write in English
- No felony conviction within last 10 years
Disqualification (MCL 55.301)
- Felony: Auto-revoked on conviction date. 10-year bar after completing sentence, parole, probation, and paying all fines.
- Imprisonment: Auto-revoked on the day imprisonment begins.
- Misdemeanors: 2+ violations of the Notary Public Act in 12 months, or 3+ in 5 years.
Michigan professionals who also need an auto dealer bond or contractor license bond can apply for multiple bonds. See all bond types or read about bond vs. insurance. Also compare bond vs. cash deposit and explore all types of surety bonds.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Michigan
Michigan has had permanent RON law since September 26, 2018 (House Bill 5811). The same $10,000 bond covers RON acts, but additional requirements apply. For comparison, see Ohio RON rules (HB 315, 2025) and Illinois RON requirements ($30K bond).
- Notify the SOS of intent to provide RON services
- Contract with a state-approved RON platform/vendor
- Complete a state-approved RON training course
- Perform ID verification via live two-way audio/video
- Maintain a secure electronic journal of all remote acts
- Retain e-journal and A/V recordings for at least 10 years
- Must be physically located in Michigan during RON
Renewing Your Michigan Notary Bond
Your Michigan notary bond runs for the same 6 or 7 years as your commission. When your commission term ends, you must renew both your commission and your bond at the same time — you cannot renew one without the other.
Renewal Process
- Complete a new online application at michigan.gov/sos
- Purchase a new $10,000 bond — confirm 6 or 7 year term
- Appear in person at your county clerk's office again
- Retake the Constitutional Oath and receive a new County Seal
- Pay $10 county filing fee + $10 state processing fee
Cost to Renew
Renewal bond premiums are the same as new commissions: most Michigan applicants pay $30–$55 total for the full 6 or 7 year term. Use our notary bond cost calculator to estimate your renewal premium, or see our surety bond cost guide.
No exam is required at renewal under current law. There is no grace period — your commission cannot lapse.
Michigan Notary Bond vs. E&O Insurance
Michigan law requires a surety bond, but many notaries also ask about Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. These are not the same thing — and understanding the difference protects you. We serve Michigan notaries and professionals across every surety bond category.
Notary Bond — Protects the Public
The $10,000 surety bond required by MCL 55.273 protects third parties (signers and the public) if you make an error or commit misconduct. If a claim is paid, the surety company can seek reimbursement from you. The bond is for their benefit, not yours.
E&O Insurance — Protects the Notary
E&O insurance (Errors & Omissions) protects you, the notary, against legal defense costs and judgments arising from notarial mistakes. Michigan does not require E&O, but many professional notaries carry it. Learn more about bond vs. insurance.
Watch: Michigan Notary Bond — $10,000 (6–7 year birthday rule)
Michigan notary commissions expire on your birthday — making the term 6 to 7 years depending on when you apply. Here's how the birthday rule works and the full Michigan notary process.
Key moments in this video
Not in Michigan? Browse bonds for neighboring states: Wisconsin ($500) • Minnesota ($6,000) • Indiana ($25,000) • Ohio (e-estate planning only) • Illinois (tiered: $5K–$30K). Or use our notary bond cost calculator for any state. Learn more in our Learning Center or read the surety bond glossary.
Michigan Notary Bond — Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Michigan notary commission 6 or 7 years?
It depends on your birthday. If your commission date falls before your birthday in that calendar year, you get a 6-year term. If it falls after your birthday, you get a 7-year term. Your bond must match your commission length. This "birthday rule" is unique to Michigan and catches many applicants off guard.
Do Michigan notaries need to pass an exam?
No. As of 2026, Michigan does NOT require any education course or examination for notary applicants. Bills introduced in 2024 (HB 5898/5899) proposed a notary education and exam requirement, but they were not enacted before that legislative session ended. Confirm current requirements with the Michigan Department of State.
Are Michigan attorneys exempt from the notary bond?
Yes. Attorneys in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan are exempt from both obtaining and filing a surety bond with the county clerk. Attorneys must still appear in person at the county clerk's office, take the Constitutional Oath, and receive the County Seal and Certification per PA 238 of 2003.
Why does Wayne County charge more for bond filing?
Most Michigan counties charge a $10 filing fee when you file your bond with the county clerk. Wayne County charges a higher fee — the exact amount is not published by the SOS. Contact the Wayne County Clerk's office directly before filing. You also pay a separate $10 state processing fee to the Secretary of State.
What is the maximum fee a Michigan notary can charge?
MCL 55.285 caps notary fees at $10 per notarial act. Each signature notarized separately counts as one act — so notarizing 3 signatures on 3 pages costs up to $30. You must conspicuously display your fee schedule or expressly advise the signer before performing the act. Travel fees are separate and negotiable.
What happens if a Michigan notary is convicted of a felony?
Per MCL 55.301, a felony conviction automatically revokes your notary commission on the date of conviction. You are disqualified for at least 10 years after completing your sentence, parole, probation, and paying all fines, costs, and assessments. Imprisonment (state, county, or federal) also triggers automatic revocation.
How much is a notary bond in Michigan?
The $10,000 Michigan notary bond typically costs $30-50 for the full 6-7 year commission term (length depends on the birthday rule). This is a one-time premium, not annual — making it one of the best per-year values among all states. Many notary bonds don’t require a credit check, and no exam is required. You pay nothing until your bond is issued. Total out-of-pocket is approximately $50-70 including the $10 state processing fee and county clerk filing fee. See our surety bond cost guide at /surety-bond-cost/.
How do I get a Michigan notary bond?
Purchase your $10,000 bond online through BuySuretyBonds.com for a fast quote. After receiving your bond, file it in person at the county clerk office in your county of residence per MCL 55.273. You will also take the Constitutional Oath and pay the county filing fee (typically $10, higher in Wayne County). Attorneys in good standing with the State Bar are exempt from the bond requirement.
Who needs a Michigan notary bond?
Michigan notaries public. It is required by the Michigan Secretary of State (MCL 55.273, PA 238 of 2003). The bond amount is $10,000 for a 6- or 7-year commission term, depending on the birthday rule.
What happens after I apply?
We submit complete applications to the carrier promptly; most quotes come back within one business day. The carrier decides approval and the final premium, and you pay only when your bond is issued.
How do I apply online to become a Michigan notary?
Complete the online Notary Application on Michigan's Online Services and print it; take it with a $10,000 surety bond to your county clerk, pay the county filing fee and take the oath; then upload your final application on Online Services with the $10 nonrefundable processing fee by credit or debit card or e-check. Michigan's Secretary of State says online applications are given priority and often are processed the same day they are received, while applications received by mail may take up to six weeks. We shop multiple surety carriers and bring back a quote on the $10,000 bond so you can file it with your county clerk.
Sources: Michigan Secretary of State: Notary application · Michigan Secretary of State: Notary services
More Surety Bond Resources
Official Michigan Sources
Michigan SOS — Notary Services
Official portal, forms, FAQs
Notary Application
Online application and instructions
MCL 55.273 (Bond)
$10,000 bond filing requirement
MCL 55.285 (Fees)
$10 max per notarial act
MCL 55.301 (Disqualification)
Felony bar and auto-revocation
DIFS — Surety Verification
Verify MI-licensed surety companies
Estimate Your Michigan Notary Bond Premium
Free calculator — ballpark cost in under 60 seconds, no email required.
Other Michigan Bonds
Additional surety bonds available in Michigan
Contractor licensing
DMV dealer licensing
NMLS mortgage licensing
All bond types
Construction & service contracts
Executors, administrators & guardians
FMCSA broker authority
Nearby States
Notary bonds in neighboring states
All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.
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