Minnesota’s notary public system is one of the more accessible paths to public service in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Whether you’re looking to add a professional credential to your resume in the Twin Cities, support your small business in Duluth, or serve your rural community in greater Minnesota, becoming a notary is a solid move. The process is manageable, but there are a few traps that trip up first-timers — especially around the county registration step and the fees. This guide walks you through every step, straight from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s current requirements.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office before applying. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Who Can Become a Notary in Minnesota?
Minnesota keeps the eligibility bar straightforward. To qualify as a notary public, you need to meet three basic criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Minnesota (or employed in MN) — this is worth noting if you live in Wisconsin or the Dakotas but work across the border
- Have no felony convictions unless your civil rights have been restored
That’s it. No exam requirement, no mandatory training course, and no special educational background. If you meet those three conditions, you’re eligible to apply.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before diving into the application, it’s worth having everything lined up so there are no delays. Here’s what you’ll want ready:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- The $120 commission fee payable to the Minnesota Secretary of State
- Roughly $20 for your county registration (more below)
One bit of good news that separates Minnesota from most states: there’s no surety bond requirement. Minnesota’s updated notary law eliminated the old bond, so your out-of-pocket costs are the commission fee, your county registration, and your supplies.
Step 1: Complete the Application
You’ll submit your notary application to the Minnesota Secretary of State. The application asks for your full legal name, residential address, and county of residence. Double-check that your name matches exactly what’s on your government-issued ID — inconsistencies between your application name and your ID can cause problems down the road when you’re actually notarizing documents.
Step 2: Submit the Application and Fee
Along with your completed application, you’ll include the $120 commission fee. You can submit everything by mail or online, depending on what the Secretary of State currently offers. If you’re in a hurry, check their website for the fastest processing option available.
Step 3: Receive Your Commission
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, though it can vary depending on application volume. Once approved, you’ll receive your official commission certificate from the state.
Your Minnesota notary commission is valid for five years from the date of issuance. Mark that expiration date on your calendar now — letting it lapse means you’ll need to start the whole process over, and you won’t be able to perform any notarizations in the meantime.
Step 4: Get Your Notary Supplies
Once you have your commission certificate in hand, it’s time to order your supplies. You’ll want two things:
- A Minnesota notary stamp — this must meet specific state requirements regarding size, format, and the information it displays. Don’t cut corners here; an improperly formatted stamp can render your notarizations invalid.
- A notary record book (journal) — while Minnesota law does not mandate keeping a journal, it is strongly recommended by the Secretary of State and by every notary organization out there. A journal is your best defense if a notarization is ever challenged.
Step 5: Register Your Commission with Your County
After your commission is issued, you register it with the county where you reside — typically a $20 filing at the county recorder’s office. It’s a registration filing rather than an oath ceremony (your oath was part of the application): bring your commission certificate, pay the fee, and you’re on record locally. Call your county recorder ahead of time to confirm the process and the exact amount.
Common Mistakes New Minnesota Notaries Make
Learning from other people’s missteps can save you real headaches. Here are the big ones:
- Skipping the county registration — your commission isn’t fully recorded locally until you register it with your county. Handle it promptly so nothing is pending.
- Using an incorrect stamp format — Minnesota has specific requirements for what your stamp must include and how it must be formatted. A cheap, non-compliant stamp from the wrong vendor isn’t worth the risk.
- Letting your commission expire — reappointment isn’t instant, so start the renewal process well before your five-year term ends.
- Notarizing without the signer physically present — this is one of the fastest ways to lose your commission. Physical presence is a non-negotiable requirement for traditional notarizations (remote online notarization is a separate process with its own rules).
- Skipping the journal — yes, it’s technically optional in Minnesota. But if a notarization you performed is ever questioned in court, a detailed journal entry is often your only proof that you followed proper procedure.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Minnesota?
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to spend:
- Commission fee: $120
- County registration: ~$20
- Notary stamp: $15–$30
- Notary journal: $15–$25
Total estimated cost: $170–$195
That’s your all-in cost for a full five-year commission. Compare that to most professional certifications, and it’s a remarkably affordable credential.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Minnesota
Minnesota does have operational remote online notarization (RON), which means commissioned notaries can perform notarizations online using approved technology platforms. However, RON comes with additional requirements beyond what’s needed for traditional notarizations — you’ll typically need to complete specific training, use state-approved technology providers, and follow identity verification protocols. Check with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office for the most current list of approved platforms and any additional steps required to add RON authorization to your commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
Most people can expect the process to take about 2–4 weeks from the time you submit your application to the moment you’re fully ready to notarize. The biggest variable is county processing time for your commission registration, so don’t leave that step for the last minute.
Can I charge fees for notarizations in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota notaries can charge up to $5 per notarization. While that’s on the lower end compared to some states, many notaries bundle their services with other offerings — like loan signing or document preparation — to increase their earning potential.
Do I need errors and omissions insurance?
Minnesota doesn’t require it by law, but it is strongly recommended. Errors and omissions insurance protects you personally if you make an honest mistake that results in financial harm to someone. Without it, you could be on the hook for those costs out of pocket. Given that a policy typically costs less than $50 for a five-year term, it’s a smart investment.
How do I renew my notary commission in Minnesota?
Start the reappointment process before your current commission expires. The renewal process is essentially the same as the initial application — new application and fee, plus a fresh county registration. Don’t wait until your commission has already lapsed, as you won’t be able to perform notarizations during any gap period.
Is a notary journal really necessary if the state doesn’t require one?
While Minnesota law doesn’t mandate a journal, the Secretary of State and every major notary organization strongly recommend keeping one. Think of it this way: if someone claims you notarized a document improperly, or if there’s a dispute about whether a signer was actually present, your journal is often the only evidence you have to protect yourself. For $15–$25, it’s cheap peace of mind.
Quick Reference Summary
- Minimum age: 18
- Residency: MN resident or employed in MN
- Bond: None required
- Commission fee: $120 (plus ~$20 county registration)
- Commission term: 5 years
- County step: Register your commission with your county recorder
- Max notary fee: $5 per notarization
- Journal required: No, but strongly recommended
- RON available: Yes, with additional requirements
Sources
- Minnesota Statute 359.01 — Notary Commission (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes)
- National Notary Association — Notary Fees by State
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Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Minnesota commonly report earning $75–$200 per appointment, though rates vary by state and experience. One of the most comprehensive training programs available.
*RON Pro: Remote Online Notarization (our sister site) — Minnesota supports remote notarization. Learn how to notarize documents online and reach clients anywhere.
How to Start a Mobile Notary Business — turn your Minnesota notary commission into a profitable business.
How to Market Your Notary Business — get clients from day one with proven strategies.
How to Become a Notary — our complete guide covering requirements for all 50 states.
