Not a government website. We are a private company, not affiliated with any Secretary of State, notary commissioning office or contractor licensing board. Renewal applications are filed directly with your state.
State of Michigan notary renewal in short
Michigan has no automatic renewal: a commission you do not renew simply expires.[1] The order matters. First you take the oath and file it with a $10,000 surety bond at the county clerk of your county, which usually charges $10; attorneys are exempt from the bond. Then, within 90 days of that filing, you send the state application with the $10 fee.[2][3][1]
To keep your commission unbroken, the Department of State says the application process must be completed within 60 days of your current expiration date.[1]
Michigan rules side by side with other states: how to renew a notary commission. Other states: New York notary renewal, Texas notary renewal, Florida notary renewal, Illinois notary renewal, Colorado notary renewal, North Carolina notary renewal, Ohio notary renewal, California notary renewal, New Jersey notary renewal, Missouri notary renewal, Virginia notary renewal, Georgia notary renewal, Arizona notary renewal, Pennsylvania notary renewal.
Michigan notary renewal requirements
This table is what Michigan Department of State and MCL 55.261–55.315 say, read on 2026-11-15. Where they say nothing, the row says so instead of guessing.
| Commission term | 6 to 7 years, ending on your birthday.[1] |
|---|---|
| Earliest day to apply | Apply within the 60 days before your current commission expires; finishing in that window avoids a gap.[1] |
| State fee | $10 non-refundable state processing fee, plus the county clerk's fee (usually $10) to file the oath and bond.[3][1] (MCL 55.275(2)) |
| Bond | A $10,000 surety bond filed with your county clerk (attorneys are exempt).[2] (MCL 55.273) |
| Course to renew | None required.[1] |
| Exam to renew | None required.[1] |
| Fingerprints or background check | No fingerprints. The application lists felony and misdemeanor convictions in the past 10 years.[3][1] |
| Oath | Take the oath and file it with the bond at your county clerk within the 90 days before you file the state application; attach the clerk's certificate to it.[2] (MCL 55.273) |
| Seal or stamp | Check with the Michigan Department of State. |
| Journal | Check with the Michigan Department of State. |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Check with the Michigan Department of State. |
No course, no exam
Michigan requires neither a course nor an exam to renew.[1] The application lists any felony or misdemeanor convictions in the past 10 years.[3] Remote notarization is allowed only on state-approved platforms.[4]
How to renew a Michigan notary commission, step by step
Michigan renewal is 3 steps, in this order.[1][2][3]
- Buy a $10,000 surety bond (attorneys are exempt).
- Take the oath and file it with the bond at your county clerk.
- Within 90 days of the clerk filing, and within 60 days of expiration, apply online or by mail with the $10 fee.
You apply to Michigan Department of State yourself: Michigan notary page. The state decides the application and its timing.
If your Michigan commission already expired
There is no automatic renewal: a commission you do not renew simply expires, and renewing after that is a new application with a gap.[1]
After a lapse: course not required[1]; exam not required[1].
Name or address change during your commission
Check with the Michigan Department of State.
Electronic and remote online notarization: Remote notarization is allowed only on platforms the state approves.[4]
Frequently asked questions
How do I renew my notary in Michigan?
How long is a Michigan notary commission?
6 to 7 years, ending on your birthday.[1]
Do Michigan notaries need training to renew?
No. There is no course or exam requirement.[1]