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Welcome to Notary Public 101

Here, you can learn how to become a notary, how to renew your notary commission, and where to find educational opportunities for notaries public.

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Become a Notary in Wisconsin

Find a Notary Class in Wisconsin

Begin Notary Public 101

In most states, becoming a notary public involves meeting a number of requirements. Generally, you must be 18 years of age, not have a serious criminal history, and successfully complete an application process. In some states, the notary application process will require notary education (ranging from a simple online course to a notary class and competency exam) and a background check, as well as the purchase of a surety bond. A more thorough explanation for your state is described below.

Become a Wisconsin notary public with Notary Rotary, Inc.

Qualifications:

1. Must be a person who maintains a permanent dwelling place in the United States and in fact lives in the United States

2. Must be at least 18 years of age

3. Must have the equivalent of an eighth grade education

4. Must be familiar with the duties and responsibilities of a Notary Public

5. Must have demonstrated adherence to laws according to the Wisconsin Statutes with regard to arrests/citations/convictions

Term of Commission:

Your notary commission is valid for a period of four (4) years, unless you are a United States resident

who is licensed to practice law in Wisconsin and you apply for and are granted a permanent commission.

Step 1: Obtain a $500 surety bond, oath form and notary seal from Notary Rotary, Inc.

Purchase a Wisconsin $500 Surety Bond and oath form from Notary Rotary. The bond will be sent to you with the required fields prefilled. You will need to have the oath on the application form administered to you by a notary and your signature on it notarized. The Find a Notary feature from Notary Rotary may be helpful in contacting a notary public.

Also, it is your responsibility to provide an engraved official seal or official rubber stamp prior to completing the application form. The seal or stamp may be of any size or shape, but must state the words “Notary Public,” “State of Wisconsin,” and your name, which must include your legal last name. You may use initials, or a shortened first name if you wish, but you must use your current last name in full. When ordering your seal or stamp, keep in mind that when you later perform notarial acts, you must always sign your name exactly as set forth on your notary seal or stamp.

Visit the Notary Rotary store to purchase an official Wisconsin Notary Public seal, stamp or embosser.

Although the state of Wisconsin does not specifically require the use of a notary journal, it is strongly recommended that notaries public use one to record notarial acts. Also, notaries public often request Errors and Omissions Insurance. While the surety bond protects the public, an Errors and Omissions Insurance policy protects the notary in the event the notary is sued. Visit Notary Rotary for all your Wisconsin notary supplies.

Step 2: Pass the notary exam

The notary exam is required for new notary and renewal applicants and must be passed with a score of 90% or better, no more than one year prior to the date of your notary commission or renewal.

The tutorial is broken into seven chapters of instruction, each with a short practice quiz at the end of the chapter. This course is designed so you can take your time to read each chapter, answer the chapter quizzes, and use the gained knowledge to take the final exam. You may take the tutorial as many times as you like and retake it in the future as a refresher.

At the end of the tutorial there is a final exam for you to take to assess your knowledge of notary public duties and responsibilities. Click here to read the tutorial and take the exam online. Be sure to print the exam results, once you’ve scored 90% or better.

Step 3: Apply for your commission

To apply for a four year Notary Public Commission, you may apply online. This will allow you to pay the $20 fee and then download the required forms. You will still be required to print, review and complete the application and send in supporting documentation (oath, bond and printed exam certificate) by mail, to:

WI Department of Financial Institutions
Notary Records Section
PO Box 7847
Madison, WI 53707-7847

or by E-mail to DFINotary@Wisconsin.gov

Or you may print and complete all sections of the Four Year Application Form, and mail it along with the exam results, bond, and $20 filing fee, by mail, to the above address.

Upon review of submitted documents, you will be notified by e-mail, the status of your commission and will have the ability to print your certificate from a link in the e-mail. Commissions will be granted daily.

To renew your four year Notary Public Commission, follow the same application process as a new notary.

To apply for a Winsconsin Attorney's Permanent Notary Public Commission, you may apply online or submit the WI Attorney Permanent Application Form and an Original Certificate of Good Standing from the Wisconsin Supreme Court along with the filing fee to The Department of Financial Institutions.

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