Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Notary Public in Minnesota
Meet the Eligibility Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be a resident of Minnesota or a resident of a county in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin and list your Minnesota business address.
- You must not have a felony conviction.
Complete the Notary Application
Fill out the Notary Application online or download the paper application form.
Online Application:
- Visit the [Minnesota Secretary of State's Notary Public Registration page] (https://notary.sos.state.mn.us/).
- Click on "Apply to be a Notary Public."
- Complete the online form and pay the application fee.
Paper Application:
- Download the [Notary Public Application Form] (https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/2044/notary_application.pdf).
- Fill out the form manually.
- Mail the completed form and fee to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office.
Pay the Application Fee
- The application fee is $120 for the four-year commission term.
- Payments can be made online via credit card or by check/money order if submitting a paper application.
Submit the Application
Online Submission:
- Submit the application and pay the fee directly on the [Notary Public Registration page](https://notary.sos.state.mn.us/).
Mail Submission (for paper applications):
Mail the completed form with the fee to:
- Minnesota Secretary of State
- Notary Public
- 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
- St. Paul, MN 55103
Receive Your Commission Certificate
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Once your application is approved, you will receive your Notary Public Commission Certificate by mail.
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You can check the status of your application on the [Secretary of State's website] (https://notary.sos.state.mn.us/).
Register Your Commission with the County
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After receiving your Notary Public Commission Certificate, you must register it with your county.
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Contact your county recorder’s office to complete the registration. There may be a small fee associated with this process.
Purchase a Notary Seal
You are required to purchase a Notary Seal, which must include:
- Your name as it appears on your commission certificate.
- The words "Notary Public."
- The words "Minnesota" or "MN."
- The expiration date of your commission.
Familiarize Yourself with the Notary Laws and Duties
Review the [Minnesota Notary Public Guide](https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/1027/notary-public-guide.pdf) provided by the Minnesota Secretary of State to understand your responsibilities and the laws that govern notarial acts.
Start Performing Notarial Duties
Once you have completed the above steps, you are legally authorized to perform notarial acts in Minnesota.
Important Links
- [Minnesota Secretary of State Notary Public Registration](https://notary.sos.state.mn.us/)
- [Notary Public Application Form (PDF)](https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/2044/notary_application.pdf)
- [Minnesota Notary Public Guide](https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/1027/notary-public-guide.pdf)
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps and requirements to become a Notary Public in Minnesota. Following these steps will ensure you meet all the necessary criteria and complete the process correctly.