Notary Public
Wisconsin
Notary Public Commission Requirements
4 years (permanent commission available for Wisconsin-licensed attorneys only)
Commission Term
before renewal
Yes
Education Required
online allowed
Yes
Exam Required
90% or higher
$500
Bond Required
surety bond
Application Process
VerifiedMeet all eligibility requirements (age 18+, U.S. resident, 8th grade education equivalent, no disqualifying arrest/conviction record)
Complete the mandatory online tutorial at the DFI website
Pass the online notary exam with a score of 90% or higher (print the passing certificate)
Obtain a $500 surety bond
Complete the notary application form
Complete the Oath of Office form before a notarial officer
Submit the application, bond form, oath of office, exam passing certificate, and $20 fee to the Department of Financial Institutions
Upon approval, purchase an official notary seal or stamp
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years or older years old
Residency
Must be a resident of the United States. There is no Wisconsin state residency requirement.
Citizenship
Must be a U.S. resident (U.S. citizenship is not explicitly required, but U.S. residency is)
Background Check
Applicants cannot have an arrest or conviction record that would affect their ability to hold a position of public trust.
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
RequiredApplicants must have the equivalent of an 8th grade education and must be familiar with the duties and responsibilities of a notary public. New applicants must complete a mandatory online tutorial provided by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions before taking the exam.
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
RequiredNew and renewing applicants must pass an online notary exam administered by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The exam certificate must be obtained within one year of applying.
Passing score: 90% or higher
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Required$500
A $500 surety bond is required for the 4-year commission. Wisconsin-licensed attorneys with a permanent commission are exempt from the bond requirement.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredErrors and omissions insurance is not required.
Seal / Stamp
Requiredeither
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $20 (4-year commission); $50 (attorney permanent commission) |
Bond Premium | $25-$50 (typical cost for $500 surety bond) |
Stamp / Seal | $20-$40 |
Education Course | N/A |
Total Estimated Cost | $65-$120 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
4 years (permanent commission available for Wisconsin-licensed attorneys only)
Renewal Process
Renewing notaries must complete the online tutorial and pass the exam again (scoring 90% or higher). Submit a renewal application with the $20 fee and a new $500 surety bond before the current commission expires.
Renewal Fee
$20 (4-year commission renewal)
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Remote online notarization was authorized in Wisconsin when Governor Evers signed bipartisan legislation Wisconsin Act 125 on March 3, 2020. Notaries must use a WDFI-approved RON provider. Audio-video recordings of all online notarizations must be created and retained for at least seven years.
Additional Requirements
Must be located in Wisconsin when performing RON. Must follow specific identity proofing and recording requirements. Attorney supervision rules apply for estate planning documents. Act 125 does not apply to wills, codicils, testamentary trusts, living trusts, trust amendments for personal use, or powers of attorney (not including transactions).
Important Notes
What Makes Wisconsin Unique
Wisconsin does not require state residency -- only U.S. residency is needed.
Wisconsin does not require state residency -- only U.S. residency is needed.
Wisconsin requires an 8th grade education equivalent, which is unique among states.
The exam requires a 90% passing score, which is one of the highest passing thresholds for notary exams nationally.
Wisconsin-licensed attorneys in good standing may apply for a permanent notary commission (no expiration) for a $50 fee, and are exempt from the bond requirement.
A journal/recordbook is not mandatory but is encouraged.
Professional titles (Dr., CPA, Esq., Atty.) are not permitted on the notary seal.
The exam passing certificate must be obtained within one year of applying.
Wisconsin Act 125 (RON law) excludes certain estate planning documents from remote online notarization.
Sources
Find Notary Education Courses in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires notary education. Complete your training through an approved provider.
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