Can you notarize your own documents in Michigan?

Asked by: Oren Will  |  Last update: July 1, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (70 votes)

(2) A notary public shall not do any of the following: (a) Perform a notarial act upon any record executed by himself or herself. (b) Notarize his or her own signature. (c) Take his or her own deposition or affidavit.

What happens if you notarize your own document?

You can't notarize your own documents and remain impartial.

Otherwise, you may face criminal or civil liabilities and suspension or revocation of your notary abilities. Even if you can't notarize your own documents, there are plenty of benefits of remote online notarization to help you save time using someone else.

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.

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.

How much can you charge as a notary in Michigan?

A notary public in Michigan is not allowed to charge you more than $10 per notarial act. If a notary public is not a licensed attorney, they must include the following statement in their documents and advertisements: “I am not an attorney and have no authority to give advice on immigration or other legal matters.”

How to Apostille a Michigan Notarized Document

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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.

Can a notary notarize their own signature in Michigan?

(b) A true copy of another record. (2) A notary public shall not do any of the following: (a) Perform a notarial act upon any record executed by himself or herself. (b) Notarize his or her own signature.

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.

How does a notary make money?

In California, notaries can charge $15 per notarial act. In Florida, Arizona, Michigan, and others, notaries can charge $10. In some states, there are no maximum notary fees set by law, so local competition sets the typical price. These types of notarizations can be quick and simple.

Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?

No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?

What are the downsides of being a notary?

Time Commitment and Costs

Initial training courses may take several hours to days to complete, depending on the program's complexity. Ongoing education is necessary to stay current with changes in notarial laws and procedures. Costs can include training fees, application fees, bond expenses, and insurance premiums.

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.

What is self-notarization?

Self-Notarization: Notarizing Documents Without a Notary

This approach involves the signatory, or the person signing the document, taking on the responsibility of verifying the authenticity of their own signature.

Is a handwritten notarized document legal?

In California, handwritten agreements do not need to be notarized if both signers reside in the state. Using a templated agreement instead of one tailored to the specifics of the agreement may or may not hurt depending on the circumstances surrounding it.

Can I notarize for my own business?

As a commissioned notary public, you may perform notarizations for your company if all the proper requirements are met. You may not skip any requirements, and must remain independent in your consideration of the facts and requirements of every notarization.

How often do notaries make mistakes?

Notary mistakes and errors increase the number of rejected documents. Most rejected documents contain minor or major notarization mistakes. On average, 30% of notarized documents contain mistakes. But depending on your county and state, this rejection rate can vary.

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.

Can you edit a document after it's been notarized?

In most states, a notary public must never change, correct, or amend a notarial certificate at a later date. Such alterations can only be made at the time of the execution of the notarization when the principal signer is present.

What is required to notarize a document in Michigan?

The document must be completely filled out – no blank spaces. The document must be in English, so our Clerks are easily able to read it. The signer(s) must be competent and fully understand the document being notarized. The signer(s) must be willing to sign without being coerced.

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.

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 type of notary makes the most money?

#1: Loan Signing Agent

One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent.

Is notary a stressful job?

Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.

How to become a mobile notary in Michigan?

Becoming a remote or electronic Notary in Michigan requires three steps:
  1. Hold an active commission as a traditional Notary Public.
  2. Select and buy an electronic/remote notarization system from the Secretary of State's approved vendor list.