Notary Public
Minnesota
Notary Public Commission Requirements
5 years (expires January 31 of the fifth year after issuance)
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
No
Bond Required
no bond needed
Application Process
VerifiedMeet eligibility requirements (18+, U.S. citizen/legal resident, Minnesota resident or bordering-county resident)
Complete the Minnesota Notary Application form
Submit application by mail with $120 non-refundable fee (check or money order payable to 'Office of the Secretary of State')
Receive commission certificate by mail at residential address (processing takes 2-4 weeks)
Register commission with county of residence and pay $20 county recording fee
Purchase a notary stamp meeting state requirements
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a Minnesota resident, OR a resident of a bordering county in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin (non-residents must designate the Secretary of State as agent for service of process and list the Minnesota county they will file in).
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredNo education or training required. The state provides a list of organizations offering optional Notary education, training, and supplies.
Exam
Not RequiredNo exam required to become a notary in Minnesota.
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Not RequiredMinnesota does not require a surety bond for notary commissions.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required but recommended for legal protection against unintentional errors.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredRectangular inked rubber stamp required. Must contain the state seal, notary's name as on commission certificate, 'Notary Public', and commission expiration date. Must be photographically reproducible. Embosser may be used only in conjunction with the ink stamp, not as a standalone.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $120 |
Bond Premium Bond not required in Minnesota | N/A |
Stamp / Seal Approximate cost; purchased from private vendors | $30 |
Total Estimated Cost $120 application + $20 county registration + $30 stamp/seal | $170 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
5 years (expires January 31 of the fifth year after issuance)
Renewal Process
Submit new application with $120 fee by mail. Expired commissions require reapplication as a new notary. Must re-register with county ($20 fee).
Renewal Fee
$120
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Available since January 1, 2019. Commissioned traditional notaries can register as remote online notaries. Audio-visual recording of RON session required, retained for 10 years.
Additional Requirements
Must first hold an active traditional notary commission; must meet specific technology requirements; must submit a secondary application and fee
Important Notes
What Makes Minnesota Unique
Minnesota uniquely allows residents of bordering counties in neighboring states (IA, ND, SD, WI) to become Minnesota notaries. It has no education, exam, or bond requirements, but the $120 application fee is relatively high. Applications are still handled by mail.
Minnesota allows residents of bordering counties in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin to become Minnesota notaries.
No education, exam, or bond is required - one of the simpler application processes.
Failure to register with your resident county may result in a civil penalty from the MN Department of Commerce.
Real estate closing agents may require additional licensing from the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Application is by mail only (not online).