How to become a notary in Michigan?
Asked by: Miss Annamarie Hill | Last update: March 2, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (1 votes)
To become a Michigan Notary Public, you must first meet eligibility requirements (18+, English-literate, resident/business in MI), then complete the online application via the MI Secretary of State website, get a $10,000 surety bond, file your application and bond at your county clerk for an oath and fee, and finally, pay the state processing fee to get your commission, then get your stamp.
How long does it take to become a notary public in Michigan?
The timeframe to become a notary in Michigan varies based on how quickly each step is completed and the processing time at the Department of State. Once you have purchased your bond, the process can be completed in as little as a few days or can take as long as six weeks.
What kind of notary makes the most money?
The type of notary that generally makes the most money is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA), specializing in real estate loan documents, earning $75-$200 per complex signing, followed by Mobile Notaries who charge travel fees and specialized Remote Online Notaries (RONs), but NSAs have the highest potential due to the volume and complexity of mortgage signings, with some reaching six figures annually with experience, high-level marketing, and handling various loan packages (purchases, refinances, HELOCs).
How much does a notary make in Michigan?
How much does a Full Time Notary make in Michigan? As of Jan 9, 2026, the average annual pay for a Full Time Notary in Michigan is $56,459 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $27.14 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,085/week or $4,704/month.
Is being a notary a good side hustle?
Yes, being a notary is often considered a great side hustle because it offers flexibility, low startup costs (compared to some businesses), high demand for essential services, and the potential for good hourly earnings, especially as a mobile notary or loan signing agent, with Remote Online Notarization (RON) adding work-from-home opportunities.
How to Become a Notary in Michigan
How much is a $25,000 notary bond?
A $25,000 notary bond typically costs between $40 and $180, depending on your state, credit score, and whether you add Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, with rates varying from a few dollars to over $100 for basic bonds, while packages with E&O can range from $75 to over $100. The cost is a small percentage (0.5% - 10%) of the bond amount, so strong credit means lower premiums, while poor credit leads to higher rates.
What are the downsides of being a notary?
Disadvantages of being a notary include inconsistent income, high liability for errors, significant startup and maintenance costs (fees, bond, E&O insurance), the challenge of building a client base, strict legal restrictions (no UPL), dealing with difficult clients or requests, and potential for emotionally taxing situations, all while facing intense competition for low-paying gigs.
Can you live off being a notary?
Not every NSA or mobile Notary wants to make it a full-time career. In fact, more than 61 percent notarize as a part-time gig. But even part-timers report they are doing well, reporting earnings ranging from anywhere as low as a few hundred dollars to $20,000 a month from notarizations.
How does a notary get clients?
Advertise through word of mouth
Many Notaries agreed that getting the word out in your community is one of the best ways to find new customers. If someone needs a notarization but aren't sure where to go, word of mouth about your business can be key to getting signers to come to you first.
How much does a $50,000 notary bond cost?
A $50,000 notary bond typically costs a small percentage (0.5% to 10%) of the bond amount, meaning around $250 to $5,000, but for specific states like Alabama requiring this amount, the price is fixed, often around $70-$140 for a 4-year term, depending on packages and credit, as the bond amount is set by law, not individual risk.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to ensure the signer personally appears before them, which is a legal violation and can lead to fraud and major penalties, but other frequent errors involve incomplete or incorrect notarial certificates, such as missing dates, improper seal placement, illegible stamps, mismatched names, or attaching the wrong certificate type, all of which can invalidate the document.
Is it worth it to get a notary license?
Yes, getting a notary license is often worth it for the flexibility, low startup costs, and career advantages, offering potential income as a side gig or full-time business, especially as a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) for loan signings, though profitability depends heavily on your hustle and market saturation, as basic notarial work can be low-paying. It boosts resumes, adds value for employers in various industries, and opens doors to mobile services, but requires dedication to find profitable niches beyond basic, often free, bank services.
What skills are needed to be a notary?
Essential Skills for Notaries
Attention to Detail: Notaries must carefully review documents to ensure accuracy and completeness. Missing a signature or a stamp can invalidate an entire document. Ethical Integrity: As a notary, you will handle sensitive information and must do so without bias.
How much should you charge to notarize?
A notary's fee depends heavily on the state's regulations (often $5-$15 per signature for basic acts like acknowledgments) and whether it's a mobile notary, who charges more for travel ($70-$100+ for standard services). Costs vary by act (acknowledgment, jurat, oath), document type (deeds cost more), and location, with some states like California capping fees at $15, while others (like Arkansas, Vermont) have no set limits.
Who can a notary not notarize for 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.
Can I do notary work as a side hustle?
Yes, notary work is an excellent and popular side hustle, offering flexibility to earn supplemental income with low startup costs, especially through mobile and online notary services, with many notaries earning hundreds to thousands of dollars monthly by specializing in areas like loan signings or remote online notarization (RON).
What type of notary makes the most money?
The type of notary that generally makes the most money is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA), specializing in real estate loan documents, earning $75-$200 per complex signing, followed by Mobile Notaries who charge travel fees and specialized Remote Online Notaries (RONs), but NSAs have the highest potential due to the volume and complexity of mortgage signings, with some reaching six figures annually with experience, high-level marketing, and handling various loan packages (purchases, refinances, HELOCs).
Is notary a stressful job?
Yes, being a notary can be stressful due to high stakes, difficult clients, legal complexities, and the pressure of running a business, but it's manageable with proper skills, organization, and boundaries, offering rewards like flexibility and independence. Common stressors include handling illegal requests, dealing with angry or difficult signers, balancing work/life, building a client base, and navigating inconsistent income, especially in competitive markets.
Why do notaries get sued?
1- Notarizing for someone who isn't present at the time
Engaging in such practices exposes the notary to significant legal risks, including criminal charges for fraud, revocation of their notary commission, and civil liability for damages resulting from reliance on the notarized document.
Is a notary signing agent a good side hustle?
Yes, a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) can be a very good side hustle, offering flexibility, strong earning potential ($75-$200+ per hour/appointment), and steady demand due to real estate transactions, but success requires upfront investment in training, marketing, and supplies, plus dedication to build a client base and navigate state regulations. It's a lucrative option for those willing to put in the effort to become a specialized mobile agent, especially for loan closings, though general notary work might offer lower pay.
Will notaries be replaced by AI?
The Bottom Line. AI is a powerful resource, but it will never replace the personal involvement of a commissioned notary public. Notaries must continue to follow the laws and rules that govern their role, personally carrying out each step of a notarization.
How much is a $50,000 notary bond?
A $50,000 notary bond typically costs a small percentage (0.5% to 10%) of the bond amount, meaning around $250 to $5,000, but for specific states like Alabama requiring this amount, the price is fixed, often around $70-$140 for a 4-year term, depending on packages and credit, as the bond amount is set by law, not individual risk.
Do you have to pay 100% of a bond?
No, you don't always pay 100% of the bond; you typically pay a non-refundable fee (around 10%) to a bail bond company, who then pays the full amount to the court for your release, with you or a cosigner responsible for the full bond if you miss court, or you can pay the full bail yourself for a refund. Options include paying the full cash bail, using a bondsman for a fee, or getting Release on Own Recognizance (ROR) if low-risk.
How much does a $500,000 surety bond cost?
A $500,000 surety bond typically costs between $2,500 and $50,000 annually, or 0.5% to 10% of the bond amount, depending heavily on your credit score, financial strength, and the bond's type and risk level. A highly qualified applicant with excellent credit might pay as low as $2,500-$5,000 (around 1%), while someone with poor credit could face rates of 10% or more, potentially costing $25,000-$50,000.