What is a Michigan Notary Bond
Michigan notaries must obtain a $10,000 surety (Michigan Notary bond). Take the bond to the county clerk’s office in the county where the notary’s appointment occurs. The bond is for a seven-year time frame.
Michigan Notary Bond Requirements
- A Michigan Notary bond protects the public from Notary misconduct or negligence.
- The bond provides coverage for damages to anyone who suffers financially due to an improper official act.
- The injured party may seek reimbursement from the Notary for any damages it pays on the Notary’s behalf.
- Michigan Department of State is authorized to require the Notary to purchase a replacement Michigan Notary bond if damage claims deplete the first $10,000 bond.
Steps to get a Michigan notary bond:
- The Michigan Notary Public application must include your driver’s license number, full name as you wish to be appointed, date of birth, residential address (the address on your driver’s license or state id), business address, and telephone number. Click the highlighted link Michigan Notary Application to print a copy of the notary application.
- You need to purchase a Michigan Notary Bond for $10,000. A bond can be obtained within one day with a phone call at 248-888-1134 or click the link to contact a local Michigan Notary Bond quote to apply for a bond.
- After you receive your bond, you must file it with your County Clerk. The filing fee at the county office is usually $10.00. The County Clerk will administer an Oath of Office. They will also verify that you have complied with all requirements by completing the designated area on your completed Notary Public Application. Sign the form, agreeing to all conditions. You should keep a copy of the bond for your records.
- Send the completed application to the Michigan Department of State. Send the completed form you received from the county office and a $10.00 non-refundable processing fee in either a check or money order.
- The check will be payable to the “State of Michigan” at the following address.
Michigan Department of State Office of the Great Seal 7064 Crowner Blvd. Lansing, MI 48918
The Michigan Department of State will review your application and may conduct a background check. They will give you a notary public commission upon approval. The state will send a denial letter if they do not accept your application.
Michigan Notaries may need a business policy.
Finally, a bond is not an insurance policy. It protects the public if a court judgment is against the Notary because of negligence or misconduct. To get additional protection, you should purchase Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance. E & O insurance is liability coverage to protect your personal and professional assets if you make a mistake during the notarial process that causes your client to suffer financial loss. If you operate a business out of your home with your notary service, you may also need to get business insurance; refer to our Michigan Home-Based Business Insurance post.
