Michigan Notary Bond

Michigan requires every notary public to file a $10,000 notary surety bond to protect the public from financial loss caused by a notary’s errors or misconduct. The bond safeguards clients and the public, not the notary. Most applicants pay $30–$55 for this bond, which must be filed with the county clerk before being approved by the Michigan Department of State. This guide explains how the bond works, how much it costs, and how to apply and renew without delays.

Becoming a notary in Michigan comes with important legal responsibilities. One of those is obtaining a Michigan notary bond—a financial safeguard that protects the public from mistakes or dishonest actions by a notary.
 This requirement is set by the Michigan Department of State and must be completed before your notary commission is approved.

Below, we outline what the Michigan notary bond is, how much it costs, and the steps you’ll take to get bonded and keep your commission active through renewal.
 For additional context on bond categories, you can also see our overview of license bonds.

A Michigan notary bond is a $10,000 surety bond required by state law under the Michigan Notary Public Act. It ensures that members of the public who suffer financial losses due to a notary’s mistake, negligence, or misconduct can be compensated.

The bond’s purpose is simple: to protect the public, not the notary. If a claim is filed and paid, the surety company covers the damages and later seeks repayment from the notary. Many notaries choose to purchase optional Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance to protect themselves from personal liability for unintentional mistakes.

You must file the bond and take your oath with the county clerk, who will then forward your completed application to the Michigan Department of State for final approval. The coverage lasts the entire length of your commission—typically six to seven years, depending on your date of birth.
 Attorneys licensed to practice law in Michigan are the only group exempt from purchasing the bond, though they must still complete all other steps to receive a commission.

The cost of a Michigan notary bond is low, making it one of the most affordable types of surety bonds. You pay only a small percentage of the $10,000 amount—called the bond premium.

Most applicants pay between $30 and $55, depending on factors such as the bond term, provider, and credit profile. Premiums typically range from 1% to 5% of the total bond amount, meaning even first-time notaries with average credit can expect an easy approval.

Your credit score may influence pricing slightly, but notary bonds are considered low-risk. In most cases, approvals are instant, and the entire process—from application to bond issuance—can be completed in a single day.

For a broader explanation of how bond pricing works across industries, visit our Surety Bond Cost Guide.

Getting a Michigan notary bond involves several straightforward steps, but accuracy and timing matter. If you’re new to surety bonding, our guide on get bonded explains the process in simple terms before you begin. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Choose a licensed surety provider.
    Select a reputable provider authorized to issue surety bonds in Michigan.
    
2. Complete your bond application.
    You’ll provide personal information and notary details such as your county of residence.
    
3. File the bond with your county clerk.
    After receiving your bond, file it with your local county clerk’s office and take the oath of office. For example, you can see county-specific filing guidance on the Notary public page.
    
4. Submit your notary public application.
    Once your bond is filed and your oath taken, submit your completed notary public application and required materials to the Michigan Department of State.

Once approved, the Department of State will issue your notary commission certificate, allowing you to begin notarizing documents.

Yes. Even if you have challenged credit, you can still qualify for a Michigan notary bond. Because notary bonds carry very low financial risk, most applicants are approved quickly, regardless of their credit history.

Lance Surety Bonds works with several A-rated surety companies to offer flexible underwriting and affordable premiums for all applicants. The focus is on professional stability and licensing history, not just credit score. As a result, even those with prior credit issues can usually obtain their bond without difficulty.

Do I need a notary bond if I’m a lawyer or attorney in Michigan?

No. Attorneys licensed in Michigan are exempt from the notary bond requirement but must still complete the standard application and filing procedures, including taking the oath of office and submitting documentation to their county clerk.

What happens if I fail to file my notary bond within 90 days?

If you don’t file your bond within 90 days of issuance, your application may become invalid. Michigan law requires that the bond be filed with your county clerk—and the oath taken—before you submit your application to the Michigan Department of State. Filing promptly ensures your commission is issued without delay.

How long is a notary commission valid, and when should I renew?

A Michigan notary commission is valid for six or seven years, depending on your county, and typically expires on your birthday. You should begin the renewal process several months before expiration to ensure continuous coverage. That includes purchasing a new $10,000 bond, filing it locally, and resubmitting your renewal materials to the state. Early renewal helps avoid any break in your authority to notarize.

What damages does the notary bond cover vs. what it does not cover?

The Michigan notary bond covers financial losses suffered by the public due to a notary’s negligence, error, or misconduct, up to the $10,000 bond limit.
 It does not protect the notary personally. If a claim is paid, the surety company may seek reimbursement from the notary. For personal protection, many notaries choose to add optional Errors and Omissions insurance to cover accidental mistakes.

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). get bonded.
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/learn/how-to-get-bonded

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). Surety Bond Cost Guide.
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/learn/surety-bond-cost

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). License bonds.
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/license-bonds/

Michigan Department of State. (n.d.). Notary services.
https://www.michigan.gov/sos/notary-services

Michigan Department of State. (n.d.). Application for Michigan Notary Public [PDF].
https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/18delrio/Application_for_Michigan_Notary_Public.pdf

Wayne County Clerk. (n.d.). Notary public.
https://www.waynecountymi.gov/Government/Elected-Officials/Clerk/General-Office/Notary-Public