Notary Public Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Michigan Notary Public Commission

   Apply for a Michigan notary commission through the Michigan Department of State, jointly processed with the county clerk. Must be 18+, a Michigan resident (or maintain a place of business in Michigan), a U.S. citizen or have proof of legal presence, and able to read and write English. Commission term is 6 to 7 years, ending on the notary's birthday. A $10,000 surety bond filed with the county clerk is required.

   Official government source for Michigan Notary Public Commission (opens in a new tab)

   $10 (county clerk filing fee) + $10 (state processing fee) + bond cost·Days (online) to 4–6 weeks (mail)

   $10 (county clerk filing fee) + $10 (state processing fee) + bond cost

   Days (online) to 4–6 weeks (mail)

2. Michigan Notary Surety Bond ($10,000)

   Required for all Michigan notaries. Must be filed with the county clerk in the county of appointment along with the notary application.

   Official government source for Michigan Notary Surety Bond ($10,000) (opens in a new tab)

   $50–$100 (varies by surety company) for the 6–7 year commission term·1–3 days

   $50–$100 (varies by surety company) for the 6–7 year commission term

   1–3 days

3. Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Recommended)

   While not required in Michigan, Errors & Omissions insurance protects notaries from financial losses due to unintentional mistakes. It is a private commercial product (e.g., available via the National Notary Association) rather than a state-mandated requirement; coverage amounts and premiums vary by provider — confirm current rates directly with an insurer.

   Varies by provider (private product, not state-set)·Immediate

   Varies by provider (private product, not state-set)

   Immediate

1. Detroit Business License (if operating a notary business)

   The City of Detroit does not require a Business License for a standalone notary business. BSEED (Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department) licenses only specific enumerated categories (e.g., vendors, lodging, amusement venues, consumer services like massage/tattoo, gas stations, second-hand dealers) — notary services are not among them, whether standalone or incidental to another profession. Michigan notary commissions are issued at the state level by the Secretary of State.

   Official government source for Detroit Business License (if operating a notary business) (opens in a new tab)

   $0 — no general business license applies·N/A

   $0 — no general business license applies

   N/A

Official Sources

• Michigan — Notary Public Requirements
• Michigan Secretary of State

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