County Clerk: Notary Public

Notary Public Application

Notary public applicants must complete an Application for Michigan Notary Public Appointment.

This form is available from the Department of State from these locations:
Secretary of State Website
Department of State fax-on-demand (517) 335-4FAX
Office of the Great Seal (517) 373-2531
Any County Clerk's Office

Notary public commissions are issued for 6 to 7 years, expiring on your birthday. A new appointment is needed when your current commission expires.

 

Fees

$10.00 payable to the State of Michigan.
$10.00 to the Clerk's Office.

 

Qualifications

To apply to become a Michigan notary public, you must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the county in which you request appointment (NOT the county where you work). Only an out-of-state resident must apply in the Michigan county where the principal place of business is located.

 

Application Process in St. Joseph County

1. Applicant acquires $10,000 surety bond.
2. Applicant files bond with $10.00 filing fee.
3. Applicant receives application from Clerk's office.
4. Applicant submits application and $10.00 to Secretary of State.
5. Office of the Great Seal reviews application and may conduct background check.
6. Application is approved (notary commission issued) or denied (denial letter sent).

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