Can you notarize a friend in Michigan?
Asked by: Brain Torp | Last update: December 4, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (28 votes)
Can I notarize my friend's document? No. If a notary public is a party to a transaction, or has a direct or indirect financial (or other beneficial) interest in the transaction, no matter how small, the notary must decline the notarization.
Can your friend notarize a document?
Question: Am I allowed to notarize a document signed by a friend in which I stand as a beneficiary? Answer: No. A notary public must decline a notarization if they are a party to the transaction or stand to benefit in any way from it.
Can you notarize for a family member in Michigan?
(8) A notary public shall not perform a notarial act for a spouse, lineal ancestor, lineal descendant, or sibling including in-laws, steps, or half-relatives.
What is the Michigan law for notary?
(1) A notary public shall place his or her signature on every record upon which he or she performs a notarial act. The notary public shall sign his or her name exactly as his or her name appears on his or her application for commission as a notary public.
Do both parties have to be present to notarize a bill of sale?
In some cases, a notary public can notarize one party's bill of sale signature. This might happen if they're absent but have consented to another individual signing on their behalf. The jurisdiction and circumstances will determine whether both parties must attend a bill of sale notarization.
How to Become a Notary in Michigan
Do all parties have to be present for a notarization?
Do all parties have to be present at the same place and time for a document to be notarized? Usually not, but it is best to ask your selected notary regarding the proper procedures in your state.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
How much can you charge to notarize in Michigan?
The Michigan Notary Public Act provides that a notary public may charge up to $10.00 for performing a notarial act.
What makes a notarized document invalid?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.
Do you need a stamp to notarize in Michigan?
While the use of a Notary stamp or embosser is optional in Michigan, most Michigan Notaries use an inked stamp. Some Notaries use an embosser in addition to their stamps for extra fraud protection. Notaries are advised to keep their seal in a secure location when not in use.
Can I notarize a document for my mom?
In California, public notaries are NOT prohibited from notarizing for relatives unless it provides a direct financial or beneficial interest. This includes any document where the notary public is named – especially if they're a beneficiary.
What is exempt notary income?
All Notary Income must be reported income on on Form 1040 Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ. However, notary income is exempt from self-employment tax on their notarial income because they are public officials. This means you are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare but you are taxed at full rate on your profit.
What should I do with my old notary stamp?
While most states either require you to turn in your seal or destroy it yourself, others may require both under certain circumstances. In California, Notaries must destroy or deface their seals upon resignation, termination or revocation of their commissions.
Who is eligible to notarize a document?
Who can notarize a document? The only person who can notarize a document is a notary public. This role is an official position within the state government and notaries public are either appointed, commissioned, or otherwise designated by a high ranking government official such as the governor or secretary of state.
Does the buyer need to be present for the notary?
You not need both parties to be physically present at the time of notarization, but you can only notarize for the person who is appearing before you. The other person can have their signature notarized at another time.
Do both parties have to be present to get a title notarized?
Both the seller and the buyer don't have to be present in person during notarization. With remote notarization, a notary agent can take care of the signing through a video conference solution. Some states require only the seller needs to be present during the signing.
In which of the following situations should a notary decline to complete a notarization?
- You know or suspect the transaction is false, illegal or deceptive.
- The act being requested is not an authorized notarial act.
- The signer is unable or unwilling to pay the required fee.
- The request is made outside of your regular office hours.
Can you notarize a signature without the person present?
To notarize a document, the signers must be present at the time of notarization. While you can notarize an acknowledgment document that has been previously signed in some cases, the signer must still be present at the time of notarization to confirm the validity of their signature.
What is notary misconduct?
Examples of notarial misconduct include the following: 1) the notary notarized an instrument without the signer being present; 2) the notary failed to establish the identity of the signer by satisfactory evidence; 3) the notary failed to execute proper notarial procedures; and 4) the notary knew that the document ...
What can notaries not charge for?
Some states prohibit their notaries from charging or collecting a fee for notarizing a signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration.
Does Michigan allow online notary?
Yes. While using a remote notarization system/platform a notary public must adhere to all the requirements as set forth in the Michigan Law on Notarial Acts (MiLONA), as amended.
What if I stamp my notary upside down?
Documents containing upside down, blurred, or partial Notary seal or stamp impressions are likely to get rejected.
Which of the following offenses cancels a notary application?
The examples include but are not limited to: assault, arson, auto theft, burglary, possession or sale of illegal drugs, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, failure to pay child support or failure to comply with a court order.
Can notaries swear people in?
2093. (a) Every court, every judge, or clerk of any court, every justice, and every notary public, and every officer or person authorized to take testimony in any action or proceeding, or to decide upon evidence, has the power to administer oaths or affirmations.