MN Notary Notary Commission Application and Renewal 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should a Minnesota notary do if they move to a different county within Minnesota?
- Notify the Secretary of State of the new address; the commission remains valid statewide (Correct answer)
- Apply for a new commission in the new county
- Surrender the current commission and reapply
- File a change of address with the county recorder in the new county
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State of the new address; the commission remains valid statewide
A Minnesota notary commission is valid throughout the entire state, so moving counties does not invalidate the commission — only address notification to the Secretary of State is required.
Question 2: If a Minnesota notary moves to another state, what must happen to their commission?
- The commission is automatically vacated since Minnesota requires residency or in-state employment (Correct answer)
- The commission remains valid for the rest of its term
- The notary may continue to perform acts remotely for Minnesota clients
- The commission transfers to the new state automatically
Correct answer: The commission is automatically vacated since Minnesota requires residency or in-state employment
If a notary no longer resides in Minnesota and no longer has a primary place of employment or practice in the state, the commission is vacated as the eligibility requirement is no longer met.
Question 3: How does a Minnesota notary renew their commission?
- By submitting a new application and fee to the Secretary of State before the current commission expires (Correct answer)
- By filing a renewal affidavit with the county recorder
- By passing a renewal examination administered by the Secretary of State
- By submitting proof of continuing education credits
Correct answer: By submitting a new application and fee to the Secretary of State before the current commission expires
Minnesota notaries renew their commission by submitting a new application and paying the required fee — there is no examination or mandatory continuing education for renewal.
Question 4: What happens if a Minnesota notary's commission expires before they submit a renewal application?
- They must stop performing notarial acts and apply for a new commission (Correct answer)
- Their commission is automatically extended for 90 days
- They may continue notarizing with their expired stamp for 30 days
- They are permanently barred from reapplying
Correct answer: They must stop performing notarial acts and apply for a new commission
An expired commission means the notary's authority to perform notarial acts has lapsed; they must obtain a new commission before resuming notarizations.
Question 5: Can a Minnesota notary resign their commission before it expires?
- Yes, by submitting a written resignation to the Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- No, a notary must serve their full commission term
- Yes, but only for medical reasons with documentation
- Yes, by filing a resignation with the county recorder
Correct answer: Yes, by submitting a written resignation to the Secretary of State
A Minnesota notary may voluntarily resign their commission at any time by submitting written notice to the Secretary of State.
Question 6: Under what circumstances may the Minnesota Secretary of State revoke a notary commission?
- For official misconduct, a finding of dishonesty, or conviction of a disqualifying crime (Correct answer)
- Only if the notary requests revocation
- Only upon court order from a Minnesota district judge
- For any single notarial error regardless of intent
Correct answer: For official misconduct, a finding of dishonesty, or conviction of a disqualifying crime
The Secretary of State may revoke a commission for official misconduct, dishonesty, or criminal conviction that reflects on the notary's fitness to serve.
MN Notary Notary Commission Application and Renewal 2
What should a Minnesota notary do if they move to a different county within Minnesota?