Become a Notary in Mn
Becoming a notary public in Minnesota is a straightforward, prestigious professional credential that empowers individuals to serve as impartial state-commissioned witnesses during the execution of critical legal, financial, and real estate documents. Regulated by the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (MN SOS) under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 359, notaries prevent fraud by verifying signer identities, administering oaths, and ensuring voluntary document execution. Whether seeking to bolster your resume, add value to your corporate employer, or launch an independent mobile notary business, the Minnesota commissioning process is accessible and efficient.
Statutory Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
To qualify for a notary public commission in the State of Minnesota, applicants must fulfill basic statutory criteria established by the legislature. An applicant must be at least 18 years of age, be a legal resident of Minnesota (or a non-resident residing in an adjoining county in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin whose principal place of business is located in Minnesota), and possess the civil ability to read and write English. Minnesota does not require mandatory testing or pre-licensing coursework for traditional notaries.
The initial application is filed online through the Minnesota Secretary of State Notary Hub portal. Applicants complete personal disclosure questions regarding any past criminal convictions or prior professional license revocations and pay a non-refundable $120 state commissioning fee. Once the Secretary of State approves the application, the applicant receives an official Notary Commission Certificate valid for a five-year statutory term.
Review this comprehensive breakdown of Minnesota notary commissioning requirements, state fees, and validity timelines.
| Licensing Component | Minnesota Statutory Rule | Associated Cost | Regulatory Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age & Residency | At least 18 years old; MN resident or bordering county worker | Free eligibility standard | Ensures legal adulthood and local jurisdiction |
| Criminal Background Standards | No disqualifying felony convictions or fraud offenses | State background audit | Guarantees public trust and moral integrity |
| State Commission Filing Fee | Submitted online via MN Secretary of State Notary Hub | $120 statutory fee | Funds state processing for a 5-year commission term |
| County Recording of Commission | Mandatory filing in resident county court administrator | $20 county recording fee | Enables local courts to verify notary signature on file |
| Official Notary Stamp Seal | Rectangular rubber stamp with MN state seal and expiry | $25 to $45 purchase | Applies legally required ink impression on notarized acts |
| Notary Surety Bond Requirement | Minnesota DOES NOT require a surety bond | $0 (No bond mandated) | Unlike many states, MN has no mandatory bond statute |
Failing to record your commission with your resident county administrator invalidates your legal authority to notarize documents.
County Registration, Official Stamps, and Remote Online Notarization
A critical second step that many newly commissioned notaries overlook is county recording. Receiving your commission certificate from the Secretary of State does not immediately authorize you to perform notarial acts. Under Minnesota Statute 359.061, you must register your commission with the county of your primary residence (or your designated business county if non-resident). You must submit a $20 county recording fee, a sample of your official signature, and an impression of your official rubber stamp.
Minnesota law mandates strict physical specifications for the notary stamp. The stamp must be rectangular, containing the Minnesota state seal, the notary's name exactly as commissioned, the words 'Notary Public', 'State of Minnesota', and your commission expiration date. Furthermore, Minnesota has authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing commissioned notaries to file an additional electronic notarization authorization form with the SOS to perform audio-video notarizations using state-approved secure platforms like Notarize or DocVerify.
The following table itemizes the complete startup expenditure breakdown to become a fully operational notary in Minnesota.
| Startup Expenditure Item | Average Cost Range | Mandatory vs. Optional | Operational Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| MN Secretary of State Application Fee | $120.00 | Statutory Mandatory | Secures 5-year state notary commission |
| County Court Recording Fee | $20.00 | Statutory Mandatory | Registers signature and stamp in resident county |
| Official Rectangular Rubber Stamp | $25.00 to $40.00 | Statutory Mandatory | Applies required legal ink seal to certificates |
| Bound Notary Record Journal | $15.00 to $30.00 | Strongly Recommended | Maintains chronological evidentiary proof of all notarial acts |
| Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance | $40.00 to $90.00 (5 yrs) | Optional but Essential | Protects personal assets against unintentional notarization errors ($25k-$100k) |
| Remote Online Notarization (RON) Tech | $0 to $50/mo | Optional for Digital | Enables nationwide virtual video notarization |
Although a journal is not legally required by Minnesota statute, keeping one is your best defense in civil liability lawsuits.
How to Become a Minnesota Notary in 5 Steps
Follow this official procedural guide to apply for, register, and activate your Minnesota notary public commission.
Verify Statutory Eligibility Criteria
Confirm that you are at least 18 years of age, a Minnesota resident (or bordering county worker), and have no disqualifying criminal history.
Submit Online Application via MN SOS Notary Hub
Create an account on the Minnesota Secretary of State website, complete the notary application form, and pay the $120 fee via credit card.
Order Official Minnesota Notary Rectangular Stamp
Purchase an official rectangular rubber stamp featuring the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota and your exact commissioned name.
Register Commission with Your Resident County
Take your commission certificate and notary stamp to your county court administrator or property records office and pay the $20 recording fee.
Acquire E&O Insurance and Begin Notarizing
Purchase a $25,000 Errors & Omissions policy, obtain a bound record journal, and begin executing acknowledgments and jurats.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: How much does it cost to become a notary in Minnesota?
The total cost is approximately $180 to $220, which includes the $120 state commission fee, the $20 county recording fee, and $30 to $50 for an official stamp and journal.
Q2: How long is a Minnesota notary commission valid?
A Minnesota notary public commission is valid for a statutory term of five years, expiring on January 31st of the fifth year following issuance.
Q3: Does Minnesota require an exam to become a notary?
No, Minnesota does not mandate a written examination or state-approved educational training course to obtain a traditional notary commission.
Q4: What is the maximum fee a Minnesota notary can charge per act?
Under Minnesota Statute 357.17, notaries can charge a maximum statutory fee of $5.00 per notarial act, though mobile travel fees may be negotiated separately.
Q5: Does Minnesota require a notary surety bond?
No, Minnesota is one of the states that does not require notaries to purchase a surety bond to obtain a commission.
Q6: Can a Minnesota notary perform Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
Yes, Minnesota authorized RON in 2019; notaries must register with an approved RON technology vendor and file an e-notarization authorization with the Secretary of State.
Q7: Can I notarize documents for family members in Minnesota?
While Minnesota law does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for relatives, doing so is strongly discouraged because personal or financial conflicts of interest can invalidate the document.
Q8: What happens if I move to a new county in Minnesota?
You do not need a new stamp or commission, but you must update your residential address online with the Secretary of State within 30 days of moving.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding become a notary in mn provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.