A notary public is an individual issued an appointment by the Secretary of the Department of Financial Institutions to serve the public as an impartial witness, performing notarial acts as are allowed or required by law.
Requirements
Any United States resident 18 years of age or older who has at least the equivalent of an eighth grade education, has passed the notary exam with 90% or better within one year of applying, and has demonstrated adherence to laws according to the Wisconsin Statutes with regard to arrests and convictions, is eligible to apply for a Wisconsin Notary Public Commission.
For More Detailed Information, please read the Notary Public Handbook.
What you will need to become a Wisconsin Notary:
(Please note Permanent is only available to Wisconsin Licensed Attorneys in good standing)
4yr / Permanent Notary
- Application form. After printing complete with stamp and signatures. 4yr / Permanent
- Oath of Office form. After printing complete in front of a current notarial officer with stamp and signatures. 4yr only
- Bond form. After printing complete signature #1 and send to bonding company to complete #7-#13. 4yr only
- Have passed the notary exam (must print certificate) with 90% or better within one year of applying. 4yr only
- You will need to purchase a $500 bond. 4yr only
- You will need to purchase an engraved official seal or official rubber stamp that contains “State of Wisconsin,” “Notary Public” and your printed name that must include your full current last name. No title such as “Dr.”, “CPA”, “Esq.” or “Atty.” should appear before or after your name. 4yr / Permanent
- Purchase a Certificate of Good Standing from the Wisconsin Supreme Court (this will cost $3 from the Clerk of the Supreme Court) that must be dated within 2 months of submission of your notary application. Permanent only
- We will notify you by email when your commission is complete or if any corrections are needed before we can grant your commission. 4yr / Permanent
Contact Us
Phone: (608) 266-8915
Email: DFINotary@dfi.wisconsin.gov
Mailing Address:
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
PO Box 7847
Madison, WI 53707-7847
Physical Address:
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Division of Corporate and Consumer Services
4822 Madison Yards Way, North Tower
Madison, WI 53705