Notary Public Permit Requirements in Madison, WI

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. Wisconsin Notary Commission

   Apply to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions for a 4-year notary commission. Must be a Wisconsin resident, 18+, and submit proof of a $500 bond.

   Official government source

   $10 (filing fee) + bond cost·2–3 weeks

   $10 (filing fee) + bond cost

   2–3 weeks

2. Wisconsin Notary Bond ($500)

   Required for all Wisconsin notaries. A $500 surety bond must be filed with the DFI.

   Official government source

   $15–$30 for 4 years·1–2 days

   $15–$30 for 4 years

   1–2 days

3. Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Recommended)

   While not required in Wisconsin, E&O insurance protects notaries from financial losses due to unintentional mistakes. Coverage of $25,000–$100,000 typically costs $40–$80/year. The National Notary Association offers bundled packages.

   $40–$80/year·Immediate

   $40–$80/year

   Immediate

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

   If you operate a standalone notary business (notary signing agent services, mobile notary, etc.) in Madison, you generally need a Business License from the city. If notarization is incidental to another profession (e.g., attorney, bank teller), a separate business license may not be required.

   Official government source

   $25–$100/year·1–3 weeks

   $25–$100/year

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Wisconsin — Notary Public Requirements
• Wisconsin Secretary of State

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