To become a Notary Public in Michigan, one of the primary requirements is that the applicant must be a resident of Michigan or maintain a place of business in the state. This residency requirement ensures that the notary is available to perform their duties within the state where they are commissioned.
The primary role of a Notary Public in Michigan, as in most jurisdictions, is to act as an impartial witness during the signing of important documents. This includes verifying the identity of the signers, ensuring that they are signing voluntarily and are aware of the contents of the document, and that the document is signed under proper circumstances.
In most jurisdictions, including many U.S. states, a notary public can notarize a document involving a family member, such as a sibling, as long as the notary does not have a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction or contract being notarized. The key issue is whether the notary has a conflict of interest that could affect their impartiality.
The first step a Notary Public must take to ensure their commission is valid in Michigan is to file a $10,000 surety bond with the county clerk. This bond is a requirement under Michigan law to protect the public from any potential misconduct by the notary. The bond must be filed before the notary can officially begin their duties.
A Notary Public in Michigan is required to notify the Secretary of State's office of any change in address within 30 days of the change. This requirement ensures that the notary's contact information is up to date, which is important for maintaining the validity of their commission and for the Secretary of State to have accurate records.
