County Clerk

Online Services

Notary Application Information

A Notary Public's job is to certify that the person or person(s) signing a document in front of him/her has produced the proper legal identification proving that they are said person.

Kent County Clerk
County Administration Building, 1st floor
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2288
(616) 632-7640

Qualifications

  • Read and write English
  • 18 years of age
  • Michigan resident or maintain a place of business in Michigan
  • U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal presence
  • Resident of the county in which you request appointment (or maintain a principal place of business)
  • No felony or misdemeanor convictions, or violations, as specified by law
  • Have filed with the appropriate county clerk a $10,000 surety bond if applicable (see below), and taken the oath of office as prescribed by the state constitution
  • Sign a declaration that all information on your application is correct, that you have read and understand the laws, and that you will perform all notarial acts faithfully
  • Not be imprisoned in any state, county or federal correctional facility

Application Procedure

  • Complete the application form, (Requires Acrobat reader)
  • Include your name, date of birth, residential address, drivers license or personal ID #, business information, appointment information, and bar number, if Michigan attorney
  • Print or type your name at the bottom of the application where indicated exactly as you intend to use it when notarizing documents. (You must sign application as indicated right below the printed name.)
  • File a $10,000 surety bond with the County Clerk (available through insurance agencies or bonding companies), if applicable.
  • As of April 1, 2007, attorneys licensed in Michigan, and who are in good standing, do not need a bond.
  • Pay $10 to the County Clerk
  • The County Clerk will administer an oath of office, and verify that you have complied with all requirements
  • Forward completed application (and an additional $10 check payable to "State of Michigan." Do not send cash.) to:

    Michigan Department of State
    Office of the Great Seal
    7064 Crowner Drive
    Lansing MI 48918
    (888) 767-6424
     
  • Notification of appointment: will be mailed directly to you by the Secretary of State.
  • Report a change of name/address to SOS. (link below)

Questions about the notary public application form may be directed to the Office of the Great Seal. Call (888) 767-6424 or visit the Secretary of the State's Website.

Please note - you may not act as a notary public until the Secretary of State sends your commission to you.

Six Steps to Notarizing a Document

  1. Your notarization on a document certifies that the person named in the document appeared before you and identified himself or herself.
  2. Obtain identification from the person wanting you to notarize his/her signature on a document (e.g.) driver's license, state ID, passport, U.S. military ID, employer ID, resident alien ID or Green card).
  3. Have the person sign the document in your presence.
  4. If an oath is required, administer the oath. (Michigan law requires oaths and affirmations to begin with "do you solemnly swear or affirm…" The right hand should be raised. In case of a disability, the left hand may be used.)
  5. Complete the notarization by filling in the date and sign your name exactly as appointed and appears on your commission.
  6. Type, print, or stamp the document with your appointed name, county and expiration date.

Where You May Notarize

As long as you reside in the county or an out-of-state resident's principal place of business remains in the appointed county, you may act as a notary anywhere in Michigan. When notarization takes place in another county, the words "Acting in __________ County" must be added after your county of commission.

Tips

  • Use of an embossed seal or stamp-type seal is not required in Michigan. However, a seal may be required on documents intended for use outside of Michigan. (They can be purchased from a bonding company, an independent office or rubber stamp supplier.)
  • Although not required by law, it is recommended that you keep a ledger or journal in which you record the signer's name, ID presented, date and other pertinent data on every act you perform as a Michigan notary public.