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Notary Services
Requesting Notary Services
The County Clerk's Office offers notary services to the public. Valid photo identification is required. The document to be notarized must be signed in front of the Notary and include a notarial certificate for us to complete.The fee for notarization is $5 per document.
Applying to Become a Notary
- Applicants must apply in the county of residence or if you are an out-of-state resident, apply in the county in which you are employed.
- An Application for Michigan Notary Public Appointment must be completed online. Incomplete and/or handwritten applications will be returned from the Office of the Great Seal. This online form is available from the Michigan Department of State Form (PDF).
- You must obtain a surety bond (available through insurance agencies or bonding companies) in the amount of $10,000 and file with your County Clerk. The fee for filing a bond is $10 (nonrefundable fee). Payment can be made by cash, check/money order or credit card payable to the Clinton County Clerk.
- When filing your bond, the county clerk will also administer an Oath of Office as prescribed by the State Constitution, and verify that you have complied with the requirements by completing the designated area and placing the county seal on the application. You shall sign the application, agreeing to all conditions stated.
- After you have fulfilled the filing requirements with the county, forward your completed application with a $10 nonrefundable processing fee payable to "State of Michigan" (check or money order, no cash) to the following address:
Michigan Department of State
Office of the Great Seal
7064 Crowner Boulevard
Lansing, MI 48918. - Your notary commission will be emailed to the email provided on your application form. Your notary commission is not valid until you have received your certificate of commission via email.
- Notary Commission is valid for at least 6 years and no more than 7 years.
Licensed Attorneys
- As of April 1, 2007 licensed attorneys are not required to file a surety bond with the County Clerk.
- You must complete the application online, take an Oath of Office administered by the County Clerk's Office and pay a $10 nonrefundable processing fee. This online form is available from the Michigan Department of State Form (PDF). Incomplete and/or handwritten applications will be returned from the Office of the Great Seal.
- Submit your completed application with $10 nonrefundable processing fee to the:
Michigan Department of State
Office of the Great Seal
7064 Crowner Boulevard
Lansing, MI 48918
Renewals
- Applicants shall follow the same process as applying for a new commission.
- Pursuant to MCL 55.279 a licensed attorney will be notified by the Office of the Great Seal 90 days before expiration to renew their commission.
- An attorney is still required to take the Oath of Office administered at the County Clerk's office prior to forwarding their application for renewal to the Office of Great Seal.
Change of Name/Address
- If you change your name or address after being commissioned as a notary, complete a Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change Form and submit to the Office of the Great Seal.
- Please note there is no need to reapply and there is no fee for an information change.
Duplicate Certificate
- If you have lost your Notary Certificate and need to replace it, complete the Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change (PDF) and submit to the Office of the Great Seal.
- There is a $10 nonrefundable processing fee.
For More Information
- For further information, please visit the Secretary of State's website.
- Information regarding Notary Public Training
- Becoming a Michigan Notary Public
- Michigan Notary Public Act (2003 PA 238)
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Debra A. Sutherland
County Clerk / Register of Deeds
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County Clerk's Office
Physical Address
100 E State Street
Suite 2600
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: 989-224-5140Fax: 989-224-5102Emergency Phone: 911
Hours
(Except Holidays)
Public counter business
Monday - Friday
8-noon & 1-4:30(Closed noon-1 p.m.)Office Hours/Phone 8-noon & 1-5