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How to become a notary public in Montana. Commission term: 4 years. Verified 2026-04-02. Data verified 2026-04-02. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Notary Public
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4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
4 hours
Education Required
online allowed
Yes
Exam Required
state exam
$25,000
Bond Required
surety bond
You must be a legal resident of Montana (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
Complete 4 hours of notary education. Must complete at least 4 hours of approved notary education (required since July 1, 2020 for all new and renewing applicants). Online courses are accepted. Education cost: $40-$100.
Must take and pass the Montana Notary Examination. Administered by: Montana Secretary of State (via the SOS online portal/notary exam page).
Submit your application to the Montana Secretary of State. Application fee: $25.
Obtain a $25,000 surety bond. $25,000 notary surety bond for 4-year term. Bond cost: $50-$70.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets Montana requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $135-$235.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 4 years. You can then begin performing notarial acts in Montana. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a Montana resident or have a place of employment or practice in Montana.
Citizenship
Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
Required4 hours
Must complete at least 4 hours of approved notary education (required since July 1, 2020 for all new and renewing applicants).
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
RequiredMust take and pass the Montana Notary Examination.
Administered by: Montana Secretary of State (via the SOS online portal/notary exam page)
Browse Notary Public study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Surety Bond
Required$25,000
$25,000 notary surety bond for 4-year term.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary stamp required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $25 |
Bond Premium Approximate premium for $25,000 bond for 4-year term | $50-$70 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Education Course Varies by approved provider | $40-$100 |
Total Estimated Cost Application + bond + education + seal | $135-$235 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Complete at least 4 hours of approved notary education
Take and pass the Montana Notary Examination
Obtain $25,000 surety bond
Apply through SOS Online Notary Portal with $25 fee
Upload training certificate, exam certificate, and bond
Receive commission
Purchase notary stamp
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Must complete 4 hours education and pass exam again. Apply through Online Notary Portal.
Renewal Fee
$25
Regulatory Board
Montana authorizes remote online notarization.
Additional Requirements
Must comply with Montana's RON requirements.
What Makes Montana Unique
Montana requires 4 hours of education and an exam, with a $25,000 bond requirement.
Montana requires 4 hours of education and an exam for all applicants since 2020.
Bond of $25,000 is among the higher requirements.
Application is entirely online through the SOS Notary Portal.
Notary requirements in nearby states
| State | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|
| Montana (you) | 4–17 wks | |
| Idaho | 4–17 wks | → |
| North Dakota | 4–17 wks | → |
| South Dakota | 4–17 wks | → |
| Wyoming | 4–17 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Montana
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Transfer your Notary license from Montana to: Idaho → | North Dakota → | South Dakota → | Wyoming →
Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
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