Notary Bonds - Risk Management - Oakland University

An Application for Michigan Notary Public Appointment must be completed (form is available on the Michigan Department of State website) and a copy submitted to the Purchasing Department - attention Eileen Arseneau. The Purchasing Department will procure a surety bond in the amount of $10,000 and will contact you directly once the bond has been received.

You must then submit the application form, the surety bond and a $10 nonrefundable processing fee to:

Michigan Department of State

Office of the Great Seal

7064 Crowner Blvd.

Lansing, MI 48918

To become commissioned as a Michigan notary public, an individual must meet the following State of Michigan requirements:

Be at least 18 years old;
Be a Michigan resident or maintain a place of business in Michigan;
Be a U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal presence;
Be a resident of the county (or maintain a principle place of business) in which you request appointment;
Read and write in the English language;
Be free of any felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, or violations as specified;
Have filed with the appropriate county clerk a proper surety bond in the amount of $10,000 and taken the oath of office as prescribed by the constitution;
Sign a declaration that all information on application is correct, that you have read and understand the laws, and that you will perform all notarial acts faithfully;
Not be imprisoned in any state, county or federal correctional facility;
Notary public commissions expire at the end of 6 years depending on the notary’s birth date. The exact length depends on the date of appointment and the date of birth. You must re-apply each time. If you wish another appointment, you must apply for a new commission 4 to 6 weeks before your current commission expires.

The same procedures outlined above should be used when applying for your new commission. Your notary commission is not valid until you receive your certificate of commission in the mail. It is each notaries responsibility not to let their commission expire. It is now prohibited to notarize documents for "family members" (spouse, domestic partner, ancestor, descendant or sibling, including in-laws, steps or half relatives).