Notary Public
Montana
Notary Public Commission Requirements
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
4 hours
Education Required
online allowed
Yes
Exam Required
80%
$25,000
Bond Required
surety bond
Application Process
VerifiedComplete at least 4 hours of approved notary education from an approved provider
Pass the 50-question Montana Notary Examination with at least 80% score
File the application online through the Montana Secretary of State portal (paper submissions not accepted)
Pay the $25 non-refundable application fee by credit/debit card or eCheck
Obtain a $25,000 surety bond for the 4-year commission term
Execute an oath of office
Obtain a notary stamp/seal and journal
Begin performing notarial acts after commission is issued
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must maintain a place of business in Montana registered pursuant to Title 35, or be regularly employed at an office/business/facility in Montana by a registered employer, or hold a current Montana professional license. Military spouses/dependents stationed in MT also qualify.
Citizenship
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Required4 hours
All applicants (new and renewing) applying after July 1, 2020 must complete at least 4 hours of approved notary education. For renewals, must complete at least 4 hours of CE in the 12 months preceding application, or 2 hours in each of the 3 years preceding renewal.
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
RequiredMust pass a 50-question exam with a minimum 80% score. One hour time limit. Three attempts are allowed before a mandatory three-month waiting period.
Passing score: 80%
Administered by: Montana Secretary of State
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Required$25,000
A $25,000 surety bond (or its functional equivalent) is required for the 4-year commission term. Protects the public against financial loss caused by notarial misconduct.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is optional but recommended. Covers legal fees and damages up to policy limits.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredBlue or black ink stamp containing: name, 'Notarial Seal', 'Notary Public for the State of Montana', city of residence, and commission expiration date. Must be reproducible.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $25 |
Bond Premium Cost of a $25,000 surety bond from commercial providers | $50-$70 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $30 |
Education Course 4-hour approved notary education course from approved providers | $30-$65 |
Total Estimated Cost Application ($25) + Training ($30-$65) + Bond ($50-$70) + Seal ($30) + Journal ($30-$55) | $205-$265 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
All applications (new and renewal) must be filed online; paper submissions are returned unprocessed. Renewing notaries must complete continuing education and pass the exam. Applications must be submitted before commission expiration.
Renewal Fee
$25
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Montana has permitted remote online notarization since October 1, 2019.
Additional Requirements
Must comply with Montana RON rules and use approved technology
Important Notes
What Makes Montana Unique
Montana requires both education (4 hours) and an exam for ALL applicants including renewals, and has a relatively high $25,000 bond requirement. All applications must be filed online - paper applications are returned unprocessed. The exam allows only 3 attempts before imposing a 3-month waiting period.
All applications must be filed online; paper submissions are returned unprocessed
Both new and renewing applicants must complete education and pass the exam (since July 1, 2020)
A notary journal (electronic or paper, tamper-evident) is required
Three exam attempts allowed before mandatory 3-month waiting period
Must be able to read and write English
Montana has one of the higher bond requirements at $25,000
Sources
Find Notary Education Courses in Montana
Montana requires 4 hours of notary education. Complete your training through an approved provider.
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