Montana Notary FAQs

What are the requirements to become a Montana notary?

To become a Notary in Montana, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident
  • Be a Montana resident, or
    • Be the spouse or legal dependent of military personnel assigned to active duty in Montana
    • Maintain a place of business in the state of Montana that is registered pursuant to Title 35 and meet any applicable business licensing requirements of the local government where the business is located
    • Be regularly employed at an office, business or facility located within the state of Montana by an employer registered and licensed to do business in this state
    • Hold a current professional license to practice the profession in Montana issued by an appropriate Montana authority
  • Be able to read and write English

Can the state reject my notary application?

Thankfully, the odds of the Secretary of State rejecting your application are low because the online notary portal will not allow you to submit the application if any information is missing.

However, remember to include these items in your online application:

  • PDF copies of your training and exam completion certificates
  • A PDF copy of your surety bond
  • If needed, explanatory documentation for any criminal history
  • A $25 state filing fee payment

Do I need to take an exam to become a Montana notary?

Yes. Before submitting your notary application, you must pass the Montana Notary Exam with a score of at least 80%. The exam includes 50 questions and has a 60-minute time limit.

You get three attempts to pass. If you don’t pass after three attempts, you must wait three months before trying again.

Access the exam portal here. You must create an account before starting. Remember that you must submit your application within six months of passing the exam.

Do I need a notary bond in Montana?

Yes. Montana requires a $25,000 notary bond for both new and renewing commissions. Our Montana notary package includes a bond as well as everything else you need to become a notary.

Can I submit a Montana notary application online?

Yes. Montana requires all notaries to apply online. Visit Montana’s online notary portal and follow the detailed instructions included with our notary package.

Does Montana require a notary journal?

Yes. That’s why we include a notary record-keeping journal in our complete notary package.

Does Montana require a notary stamp?

Yes. A self-inking notary stamp that meets or exceeds state requirements is included in our complete notary package. All our packages include a self-inking notary stamp in your choice of 12 colors.

How long is a Montana notary commission valid?

Montana notary commissions last for four (4) years. A renewal application may be submitted no earlier than 30 days before the current commission’s expiration date.

How do I renew my Montana notary commission?

The commission renewal process is the same as filing a new commission, but you must check “renewal” in the application. Renewing notaries must complete at least four hours of continuing education in the 12 months preceding application or two hours in each of the three years preceding renewal.

Renewing notaries also need to submit new bonds with their application and must pay the state application fee again.

Can I renew my commission after it expires?

Yes. You may renew your commission up to 30 days past your commission expiration date.