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

   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

   $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

   $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

   $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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