Fill Your Michigan 98 Template

The Michigan 98 form is an essential application for individuals seeking to become a notary public in Michigan. This form requires detailed personal information and ensures that applicants meet the necessary qualifications to perform notarial acts. Ready to take the next step in your notary journey? Fill out the Michigan 98 form by clicking the button below.

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Documents used along the form

The Michigan 98 form is essential for anyone seeking to become a notary public in Michigan. Along with this application, several other forms and documents are often required or recommended to ensure a smooth process. Below is a list of these accompanying documents, each serving a specific purpose in the notary application process.

Surety Bond: A surety bond is a financial guarantee that protects the public from any potential misconduct by the notary. In Michigan, a $10,000 bond is typically required, and it must be filed with the county clerk before submitting the application.
Oath of Office: This is a formal declaration where the applicant pledges to uphold the laws and responsibilities of a notary public. The oath must be administered by a qualified official, such as a county clerk, before the application can be processed.
Application for Duplicate/Notice of Change Form: If a notary changes their name or address, this form must be submitted to update their records. It ensures that all information remains current and accurate, which is crucial for maintaining public trust.
Notary Public Stamp/Seal: While not mandatory in Michigan, many notaries choose to use a stamp or seal to authenticate their signatures on documents. This item can be obtained from local office supply stores or printing shops, and it helps to establish the legitimacy of notarized documents.
Trailer Bill of Sale: To facilitate the transfer of trailer ownership, consider our comprehensive guide on the Trailer Bill of Sale for accurate documentation and legal compliance.
Application Fee Payment: A nonrefundable fee of $10 is required when submitting the application. This payment must be made via check or money order, payable to the State of Michigan, and it is essential for processing the application.

Understanding these additional forms and documents can significantly streamline the process of becoming a notary public in Michigan. Each document plays a critical role in ensuring that notaries are qualified, accountable, and able to serve the public effectively. By preparing these items in advance, applicants can avoid unnecessary delays and focus on their new responsibilities as notaries.

Michigan 98 Preview

County Seal

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE

OFFICE OF THE GREAT SEAL

For County Use Only

County name

Date of oath
and bond
Oath	Attorney (oath only)
administered
by, and bond
filed with:	(Clerk’s initials)
	(Clerk’s initials)

APPLICATION FOR MICHIGAN NOTARY PUBLIC COMMISSION

(Please print legible or type; ALL fields must be completed or application will be returned)

1.Full Name (first/middle/last):

(must match your State driver’s license or ID card)

2.Please indicate any previous and/or alias names:

	If none, please check box	N/A
	If none, please check box	N/A
3.	Driver’s license or personal identification card number:		-	-	-	-	Issuing state:

4.	Residence address:			City:			State:	Zip:
4.	Residence address:

(Must match license or ID file - include PO boxes, lot and Apt numbers)

5. Date of birth:

6. E-mail address:

If none, please check box

N/A

7. Business Street address:

If none, please check box

City:

State:

Zip:

N/A

8.If you are a licensed attorney in Michigan, enter your State Bar number: P-

If you are not a licensed attorney please check box N/A

9. Michigan resident – County of residence:		Non-Michigan resident - County of employment:

10. Residence Telephone numbers:		Business Telephone number:
If none, please check box	N/A	If none, please check box	N/A

11.Please describe date and circumstance of any felony or misdemeanor convictions during the previous ten years in this or any other State. Attach additional pages if necessary.

If none, please check box	N/A

12. Do you currently hold or have ever held a notary public commission in this or any other state: Yes				or No

If yes, indicate State: Michigan		or State of _____________ and date ___________	or Unknown

13. Have you ever had a notary public appointment in this or any other state:	revoked,	suspended,
Does not apply to me. If yes, please explain. Attach additional pages if necessary.

cancelled,

I hereby certify that I am 18 years of age or older; a resident of Michigan or maintain a principal place of business in Michigan; am a U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal presence; am able to read and write in the English language; am not currently incarcerated in a correctional facility or have served time during the immediate past ten years for a felony or misdemeanor offense in any state. I solemnly affirm, under the penalty of perjury, that the information provided in this application is true, complete, and correct; that I have carefully read the notary laws of Michigan; and that, if appointed and commissioned as a notary public, I will perform faithfully, to the best of my ability, all notarial acts in accordance with the law. I understand that all information contained on this application is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231, et seq. I am enclosing a check or money order in the amount of $10.00, payable to the State of Michigan, which I understand is a nonrefundable application processing fee.

COMMISSIONED

NAME:

Print or type your name, as it will appear on all documents you notarize.

SIGNATURE:

Sign your name, as it will appear on all documents you notarize.

Your signature must match your name printed above.

Form 98 (Rev. 08/12)

THIS APPLICATION MUST FIRST BE PROCESSED AT YOUR LOCAL COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE BEFORE MAILING IT TO THE OFFICE OF THE GREAT SEAL.

Application for commission: A notary public who is currently commissioned in the State of Michigan may not submit a new application for commission earlier than 60 days prior to current commission expiration.

Commissioned name: Your commissioned name may differ from your full name as it appears on your driver license or personal

identification card (Example: Jane Marie Doe could be Jane Doe, J.M. Doe or J. Doe).

Oath and bond filing requirements: Before sending the application to the Office of the Great Seal, you must swear a constitutional oath of office, file a $10,000.00 surety bond, and pay a $10.00 filing fee with the county clerk. Information on where to obtain your surety bond and the cost is available from insurance agents and other companies that will solicit your business. A list of licensed surety agencies can also be found through our Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos. If you are a licensed attorney in Michigan, you are not required to file a surety bond; enter your State Bar number on line 8. Your license status will be verified by the Office of the Great Seal.

Submitting application and fees to the Office of the Great Seal: After swearing the oath, filing your bond with the county clerk (if applicable) and paying the nonrefundable filing fee to the county clerk’s office, mail your completed application to:

Michigan Department of State

Office of the Great Seal

7064 Crowner Drive

Lansing, MI 48918

A $10.00 check or money order payable to the “State of Michigan” must accompany the application. Please do not send cash. This must occur within 90 days from the date the oath is administered and bond filed with the county clerk (MCL 55.273).

Receiving your commission: You may not act as a notary public until the required oath, bond (if applicable), and fees are filed with the county clerk, you submit your application and fees to the Office of the Great Seal, and receive your commission information. Your notary public commission card, with commission expiration date information, will be mailed to the residence address provided on your application. For Department of Correction employees, your commission card will be mailed to your business address. Please expect to receive your card within 14 business days after the Office of the Great Seal receives your application for processing. The residence address you list must match what is on file with the Michigan Department of State for your driver’s license or personal identification card. If you provide a different address, your application will be returned to you with instructions on how to change your address using the Michigan Change of Address/Voter Registration form available on our Web site, www.Michigan.gov/sos, or by visiting a Secretary of State Branch office.

Term of appointment: Notary commissions expire six (6) years from your next birthday at the time of commission issuance.

Change of name or address: All changes of name and/or address must be reported to the Office of the Great Seal on the Michigan Notary Public Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change form, available at our Web site www.Michigan.gov/sos. The name and residence address you list must match what is on file with the Michigan Department of State for your driver’s license or personal identification card. If you provide a different name and/or address, your Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change form will be returned to you with instructions on how to change your address using the Michigan Change of Address/Voter Registration form available on our Web site, www.Michigan.gov/sos, or in the case of a name change, by visiting a Secretary of State branch office.

Notary public stamp and/or seal: Contact your local office supply store or printing shop for information on purchasing these items. The State of Michigan does not furnish or sell these items or make any recommendations on where to obtain them. Use of these items is not required in the State of Michigan.

Please direct any questions about your notary application to the Office of the Great Seal at (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424).

Similar forms

The Michigan 98 form, which is an application for a notary public commission, shares similarities with several other important documents in the realm of legal and professional certifications. Here are four documents that bear resemblance to the Michigan 98 form:

Notary Public Application (Various States): Like the Michigan 98 form, notary public applications in other states require personal information, proof of residency, and a commitment to uphold the duties of a notary. Each state has its own specific requirements, but the overall purpose remains consistent—authorizing individuals to perform notarial acts.
Professional License Application: Similar to the Michigan 98 form, applications for various professional licenses (such as real estate agents or cosmetologists) necessitate personal details, proof of qualifications, and sometimes background checks. Both types of applications aim to ensure that the applicant meets the necessary standards for their respective professions.
Oath of Office Form: The oath of office form, which is often required for public officials and notaries alike, is similar to the Michigan 98 form in that it involves affirming one's commitment to uphold the law and perform duties faithfully. Both documents emphasize the importance of integrity and accountability in public service.
Rental Application Form: A vital tool for landlords to collect essential information about potential tenants, assessing their suitability through details regarding background and rental history. To get started, you can access the Rental Application form.
Bond Application for Notaries: A bond application, often required for notaries, parallels the Michigan 98 form as it also involves financial responsibility. Just like the Michigan 98 form requires a surety bond, other notary bond applications serve to protect the public from potential misconduct by ensuring that notaries have a financial safety net.

Misconceptions

Here are five misconceptions about the Michigan 98 form:

Misconception 1: The application can be submitted without completing all fields.

All fields on the Michigan 98 form must be completed. Incomplete applications will be returned.

Misconception 2: A notary public can act before receiving their commission card.

A notary public must wait until they have received their commission information before performing any notarial acts.

Misconception 3: Only licensed attorneys can apply for a notary public commission.

Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can apply for a notary public commission, not just licensed attorneys.

Misconception 4: The surety bond is not necessary if the applicant has a clean record.

A surety bond is required regardless of an applicant's criminal history, unless they are a licensed attorney.

Misconception 5: The application fee is refundable if the application is denied.

The $10.00 application fee is nonrefundable, even if the application is not approved.

Detailed Instructions for Using Michigan 98

Filling out the Michigan 98 form is a crucial step in applying for a notary public commission. The process involves providing personal information, verifying your identity, and ensuring compliance with state requirements. After completing the form, you will need to submit it to your local county clerk's office for processing before mailing it to the Office of the Great Seal.

Begin by printing the form clearly or typing your information. Ensure all fields are completed to avoid delays.
In the first section, enter your full name as it appears on your state driver’s license or ID card.
If you have any previous or alias names, list them. If not, check the box for N/A.
Provide your driver’s license or personal identification card number along with the issuing state.
Fill in your residence address, including city, state, and zip code. This must match your license or ID.
Enter your date of birth.
Include your email address. If you don’t have one, check the box for N/A.
Provide your business street address, city, state, and zip code. If not applicable, check the box for N/A.
If you are a licensed attorney in Michigan, enter your State Bar number. If not, check the box for N/A.
Indicate whether you are a Michigan resident and specify your county of residence. If you are a non-Michigan resident, provide your county of employment.
List your residence and business telephone numbers. If you don’t have one, check the box for N/A.
Describe any felony or misdemeanor convictions in the past ten years. If none, check the box for N/A.
State whether you currently hold or have ever held a notary public commission. If yes, provide the state and date.
Indicate if you have ever had a notary public appointment revoked, suspended, or canceled. If yes, explain and attach additional pages if necessary.
Certify that you meet all eligibility requirements and affirm that the information provided is true.
Include a check or money order for $10.00 made out to the State of Michigan as a nonrefundable application processing fee.
Print your commissioned name as it will appear on notarized documents.
Sign your name in the designated area, ensuring it matches your printed name.

After completing these steps, take the form to your local county clerk’s office for processing. You must swear an oath and file a $10,000 surety bond, if applicable, before mailing your application to the Office of the Great Seal. Expect to receive your notary public commission card within 14 business days after submission.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Michigan 98 form, consider the following guidelines:

Ensure all fields are completed; incomplete applications will be returned.
Print legibly or type your information to avoid any misunderstandings.
Match your full name exactly with your State driver’s license or ID card.
Use your current residence address as it appears on your identification.
Check the appropriate boxes for any information that does not apply to you.

Conversely, avoid these common pitfalls:

Do not leave any required fields blank.
Avoid using abbreviations or nicknames for your name.
Do not submit cash as payment; only checks or money orders are accepted.
Refrain from submitting the application without the required oath and bond.
Do not forget to ensure that your signature matches the name printed on the form.