• Notary publics are public servants appointed by state governments to witness the signing of important documents and to administer oaths. The state of Michigan has several laws in regards to becoming a notary public that applicants must consider.
  
  

Maximum Fees

• Notaries may charge no more than ten dollars for their service.3d dollar sign image by lixai from Fotolia.com
  
  According to recent changes in Michigan law, the maximum amount that a notary public may charge for their services is no more than ten dollars per transaction. The Michigan Notary Public Act, PA 238 of 2003, increased this from the original amount of no more than two dollars.
  
  

Commission Term Limits

• Notary terms must last no more than six years at a time.calendar 2007 image by Franc Podgor...?ek from Fotolia.com
  
  The maximum notary commission is limited to no more than six years at one time. After a notary's full six-year appointment, he will need to formally apply for reappointment. The Michigan Notary Public Act, PA 238 of 2003, increased this term from a period of two years.
  
  

Language Requirements

• Notary applicants are required to show a proficiency in English.American Flag image by St Clair Photography from Fotolia.com
  
  According to Michigan law, notary publics are required to be able to speak and write in English. Applicants that cannot speak and write in English will have appointment denied.
  
  

Proof of Citizenship

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or be able to show proof of residencyAustralian Passport image by dc_slim from Fotolia.com
  
  Notary public applicants in the state of Michigan must be U.S. citizens or be able to show proof of legal residency within the United States.
  
  

Background Checks

• Notary applicants must agree to background checks.ok-check image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
  
  Applicants for the appointments of notary public in the state of Michigan must consent to a criminal background check that by the Michigan Secretary of State before appointment. This is done so that it can be determined that the notary applicant is of good moral character and is free of any criminal investigations.
  
  

Notarization Limitations

• There are limitations to notary publics in Michigan.illuminated stop sign image by leemarusa from Fotolia.com
  
  Notary publics within the state of Michigan may not notarize documents or administer oaths to any relations, whether through blood, adoption or marriage. This also includes domestic partners, stepfamilies or common law relatives. This is a preventative measure to ensure that the notary does not violate the statutes prohibiting a direct beneficial interest.
  
  Although applicants may become a sworn notary public within their county of residence, notary publics in Michigan are not limited to their home county in regards to performing notarizations. Notaries may perform their duties statewide in any county within the state of Michigan. However, according to the 2006 Senate Bill number 908, which was an act to amend 2003 PA 238, if performing a notarial act in a county other than the county of commission, the statement: "Acting in the County of _______________" must be placed in the notarization.
  
  

Notary Seal

• Signatures must be signed exactly the way that it appears on their notary application.signature image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com