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Notary Public
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
4 years (permanent for attorneys)
Commission Term
before renewal
Yes
Education Required
online allowed
Yes
Exam Required
90%
$500
Bond Required
surety bond
You must be a legal resident of Wisconsin (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.
Must complete mandatory online tutorial on the DFI website. Online courses are accepted. Education cost: Free.
Must pass the DFI online exam with 90% or better. Passing score: 90%. Administered by: Wisconsin DFI (online).
Submit your application to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Application fee: $20 (Four Year Notary Public Application) / $50 (Attorney Permanent Notary Public Application).
Obtain a $500 surety bond. $500 surety bond for 4-year commission. Not required for permanent attorney commissions. Bond cost: $35-$55.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets Wisconsin requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $75-$115.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 4 years (permanent for attorneys). You can then begin performing notarial acts in Wisconsin. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a U.S. resident with at least an eighth-grade education.
Citizenship
U.S. resident (no specific citizenship requirement stated)
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
RequiredMust complete mandatory online tutorial on the DFI website.
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
RequiredMust pass the DFI online exam with 90% or better.
Passing score: 90%
Administered by: Wisconsin DFI (online)
Browse Notary Public study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Surety Bond
Required$500
$500 surety bond for 4-year commission. Not required for permanent attorney commissions.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary stamp required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $20 (Four Year Notary Public Application) / $50 (Attorney Permanent Notary Public Application) |
Bond Premium Approximate premium for $500 bond | $35-$55 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Education Course Online tutorial and exam are free on DFI website | Free |
Total Estimated Cost Application + bond + seal | $75-$115 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Complete mandatory online tutorial on DFI website
Pass online exam with 90% or better
Obtain $500 surety bond (not required for attorneys)
Submit application with $20 fee
Receive commission
Purchase notary stamp
Commission Term
4 years (permanent for attorneys)
Renewal Process
Submit new application with bond. Must pass exam again.
Renewal Fee
$20
Regulatory Board
Wisconsin authorizes remote online notarization.
Additional Requirements
Must comply with Wisconsin's RON requirements.
What Makes Wisconsin Unique
Wisconsin has the lowest bond at $500 and offers permanent commissions for attorneys. 90% exam pass rate required.
Wisconsin requires 90% on the exam.
Bond of $500 is the lowest in the nation.
Attorneys get permanent commissions ($50) with no bond.
Administered by Department of Financial Institutions.
Tutorial and exam are free online.
Notary requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Wisconsin
See how Wisconsin compares: Notary License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Official Sources
Notary requirements in Wisconsin verified against Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, April 2026.
Moving to Wisconsin? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Notary license to Wisconsin →
Transfer your Notary license from Wisconsin to: Illinois → | Iowa → | Michigan → | Minnesota →
Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
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