If you want to apply to become a Montana Notary, you must complete the following steps:
- Meet all of your state's requirements.
- Complete four hours of Notary training.
- Take and pass the Montana Notary Exam online.
- Get a $25,000 surety bond.
- Visit a Montana Notary to take your oath of office and have your bond form notarized.
- Complete the Montana Notary Public Online Application.
- Receive approval via email and download your commission certificate online.
- Buy your Notary seal and journal.
About the Montana Notary Process
The term of a Montana Notary commission is four years. Here is more information about applying for an MT Notary Public commission.
Cost to Become an MT Notary
The cost to become a Notary in Montana ranges between $205 and $265, depending on where you get your training and supplies.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application filing fee |
$25 |
| Notary training |
$30 - $65 |
| $25,000 surety bond |
$70 |
| Notarization fees |
$20 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$205 - $265 |
Commission Processing Length
The Secretary of State's Office recommends planning for a few days to complete all steps for your Notary Public commission. With the 90-day window from the exam and the 30-day window from your surety bond to submit your application, most applicants complete the process within 30 days.
Montana Notary Public Requirements
Wondering if you have what it takes to become a Notary in the Treasure State? Read on below.
Eligibility
If you're applying to be a Notary Public in Montana, you must meet the following requirements. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.
- Be able to read and write English
- Be a resident, an employee or licensed to do business or practice in Montana, or the spouse or legal dependent of an active duty military person stationed in MT
- Be free from any disqualifying offenses listed in 1-5-621 MCA
Notary Training
All Notary applicants must take four hours of Notary training approved by the Secretary of State or the commission of continuing legal education.
A certificate of completion will be available to download after each course.
The National Notary Association also offers a state-approved Notary education course.
Exam
Passing an exam is required to qualify for a Notary commission. You'll have one hour to complete the 50-question test. A score of at least 80% is required to pass.
You have three attempts to pass. Afterward, you'll need to wait three months before trying again.
An exam certificate will be available to download, which you’ll submit during the application step.
Surety Bond
Montana Notaries are required to buy a $25,000 surety bond to protect signers against financial damages resulting from the Notary's negligence or misconduct.
Notary Public
Bring your bond form to a Montana Notary. They will administer your oath of office and notarize your signature. Make sure your name and signature on the bond and application are an exact match.
Application
Complete the Montana Notary Public Online Application by logging into the Secretary of State's Online Notary Portal. Upload your training certificate of completion, exam certificate and notarized surety bond form with your oath of office as well as payment for the non-refundable $25 filing fee.
Approval of your commission will be emailed to you, and you’ll be able to download your Notary Public commission online.
Notary Supplies
Montana Notaries must use an official Notary seal and maintain a record of all notarial acts in an official journal. The seal must be a blue or black ink stamp and contain the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words “Notarial Seal”
- The words "Notary Public for the State of Montana"
- The words “Residing at” and your city of residence
- The words "My commission expires _______ (date)”
The stamp must be capable of being copied together with the record to which it is affixed or attached.
Your Notary journal may either be electronic or paper-based as long it is tamper-evident to deter fraud.
Montana Notary Public FAQs
Here, we answer the most common questions about Notaries in Montana.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
May I become a Montana Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become a Montana Notary Public. If you're not a citizen, you must be a permanent legal resident of the United States meet all other application requirements.
Is E&O insurance required to become a Montana Notary?
Where will I be able to notarize?
A Montana Notary can perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders, or in North Dakota or Wyoming, which are bordering states that permit Montana Notaries to act in their jurisdictions.
Even when in North Dakota or Wyoming, Montana Notaries must always follow the laws and rules of Montana when notarizing.
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. You may notarize for your spouse or other family members as long as you're not named in, or a direct beneficiary of, the transaction referenced in the document being signed.
How much can MT Notaries charge for their services?
Montana Notaries may charge $10 per notarial act. You may charge an additional fee for travel at the rate authorized by the Internal Revenue Service.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
Notify the Secretary of State's Office within 30 days of any change to your address, name, contact information or employment information. To update your information, log into the Online Notary Portal and select "File and Amendment."
- Address Changes: The Secretary will issue you an amended commission certificate, which you must use to buy a new stamp.
- Name Changes: Request a name change rider from your insurance agent or bonding company. Sign the rider with your new signature and scan it onto your computer.
Log into the Online Notary Portal, select "Update/Renew/Resign Your Commission," make the changes to your name and upload the rider. You'll receive an email notifying you when your commission certificate is available at which point you'll need to order a new stamp.
What is the process to renew my Notary Public commission?
To renew your Montana Notary commission, complete at least four hours of Notary continuing education within 12 months of your expiration date. Alternatively, you may complete two hours of Notary continuing education in each of the previous three years of your term.
After meeting the education requirement, the process of renewing your Montana Notary Public commission is the same as if you’re applying for a new commission. You can start the renewal process online 30 days prior to your current commission expiration date.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Montana?
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Last updated: Aug 19, 2025