Application for Michigan Notary Public Commissions are accepted at the Bay County Clerk's office.
- APPLICATION FEE PAID TO BAY COUNTY: $10.00
- APPLICATION FEE PAID TO STATE OF MI: $10.00
- A notary public is an officer commissioned by the Michigan Secretary of State to serve as an unbiased and impartial witness on business, public, and other documents.
- A notarization on a document certifies that the person whose signature is entered on the document personally appeared before the notary, established his or her identity, and personally signed the document in the presence of the notary.
- 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 in which you request appointment (if you don't reside in Michigan, you must maintain a principal place of business in the county you request appointment).
- Read and write in the English language.
- Be free of any felony convictions within the past 10 years (if previously convicted of a felony, the 10-year period includes completion of the sentence for that crime, any term of imprisonment, parole, or probation, and payment of all fines, costs, and assessments).
- Haven't been convicted of 2 or more misdemeanor offenses involving a violation of the Michigan Notary Public Act within a 12-month period while commissioned, or 3 or more misdemeanor offenses involving a violation of this Act within a 5-year period regardless of being commissioned.
- The application process is a joint process between the Michigan Department of State and the County Clerk's Office.
- Application needs to be finalized with your county of residence.
- Obtain a surety bond of $10,000 (available through a state-licensed insurance agency or bonding company).
- Attorneys do not have to file a bond with the clerk.
- Complete the Notary Application Online - click here
- Visit the Bay County Clerk's office to finalize the application. Please bring:
- Valid government issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID).
- Surety Bond (Attorneys are exempt).
- $10 fee cash/check/credit card paid to the Bay County Clerk.
- Swear an Oath of Office with the county clerk.
- Mail the completed application and pay an additional $10 fee to the Michigan Department of State.
- Michigan Department of State Office of the Great Seal
- 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48918
