State Information for Wisconsin
Wisconsin Notary Requirements and Information
Wisconsin 4-Year Notary Commission Qualifications
Notary applicants must:
• be at least 18 years old;
• be a resident of the U.S.;
• have at least an 8th grade education;
• are familiar with the duties of a notary public;
• not have an arrest or conviction of a crime that would affect their ability to hold a public office .
How to Apply to Become a Wisconsin Notary
See detailed information including applicable fees, on the website of the State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions: https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/ConsumerServices/NotaryPublic/GeneralInformation.aspx
Secretary of the Department of Financial Institutions.
Term of Office
4 year term.
Notary Education and/or Exam Requirement
Department of Financial Institutions’ “Online Tutorial” including an examination, required. New and renewing notaries.
Notary Bond Requirement
$500 Bond Required (4-year term)
Notary Recordbook (Journal) Requirement
Not required, but the practice is encouraged. If a notary maintains a recordbook (journal), some regulations concerning disposition of such “official records” upon the notary’s death apply.
Notary Seal Requirement
Ink stamp or embossing seal required. Seal image must be photographically reproducible. Notary may utilize both ink stamp and embossing seal if both device imprints are on file with the Department of Financial Institutions, and the notary’s name appears exactly the same on both devices.
Authorized Duties
• Oaths/affirmations;
• verifications upon oath/affirmation;
• acknowledgments;
• witness or attest a signature;
• certify or attest a copy;
• certify that a tangible copy of an electronic record is an accurate copy of the electronic record;
• take depositions;
• note protests.
Change of Name, Address or Eligibility Status
See detailed information on the website of the State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions: https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/ConsumerServices/NotaryPublic/NotaryForms.aspx
Contact Information for the State of Wisconsin
State of Wisconsin Notary Website
https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/ConsumerServices/NotaryPublic/GeneralInformation.aspx
State of Wisconsin Notary Handbook
https://dfi.wi.gov/Documents/ConsumerServices/NotaryPublic/NotaryHandbook.pdf
State of Wisconsin Online Notary Search
https://apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/NotarySearch/SearchCriteria.aspx
Phone Number
(608) 266-8915
Mailing Address
Notary Section
WI Department of Financial Institutions
PO Box 7847
Madison WI 53707
Apostilles, Certifications and Authentications Information
Phone Number
(608) 266-8915
Further Information
https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/ConsumerServices/ApostilleServices/GeneralInformation.aspx
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WISCONSIN NOTARY SUPPLIES:
To order your Wisconsin Notary Stamp, Embossing Seal, Recordbook, or all other supplies please CLICK HERE to be taken to the ASN Supply Store. |
Information on this page is provided with the understanding that the user is solely responsible for his/her knowledge of notarial law, procedures and practices. The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. All information is subject to change without notice and therefore is provided “as is,” free of warranty of any kind. Last updated February 2025.
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