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Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the Minnesota Secretary of State using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Minnesota commissions notaries (Governor appointment, SOS processing) for a term that expires January 31 of the fifth year after issue. Remote online notarization is a separate authorization under Minnesota Statutes 358.645. You must already be an active Minnesota notary, have filed the commission with your county, and certify that you will use conforming communication technology.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Secretary of State’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the Minnesota Secretary of State’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a Minnesota notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: SOS Application, County Filing, Then RON Form
Mail the $120 application, record the commission at the county, then submit the RON authorization (no SOS fee) before the first remote act.
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Read the official become-a-notary and RON pages Open Become a Notary and Remote Online Notarization Authorization. |
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Create an online notary account when you can Minnesota Notary Public Website can be used later to print a certificate, update contact information, and renew. |
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If you already hold an active Minnesota commission and have county-filed, apply for RON authorization before the first remote act Use the authorization form linked from Remote Online Notarization Authorization / RON Authorization FAQ. |
Part 1: Traditional Minnesota Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Minnesota notary commission that is recorded with the county. You cannot perform RON until SOS authorization is also on file.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Become a Notary and the Notary Commission Guide. Renewals may be submitted up to six months before expiration. |
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Complete traditional notary education Not listed on the official Become a Notary page as a required pre-commission SOS course or exam. Additional training is described as optional in the commission guide. |
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Obtain a surety bond Not listed as required on the Become a Notary page. The commission guide says to ask your employer or insurer whether a bond or insurance is necessary. |
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Submit the traditional application Mail the application with $120. After approval, the certificate is mailed to your residential address. |
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Record at the county and buy a stamp Pay the county $20 recording fee. The stamp must match the name on the commission certificate. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
RON is separate from in-person electronic notarization; each has its own authorization. You must be physically located in Minnesota to perform a remote online notarial act. There is no SOS fee for RON authorization. If the traditional commission expires, you must re-register for RON.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Remote Online Notarization Authorization, RON Authorization FAQ, and Minnesota Statutes 358.645 / 359.01. |
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Complete online notary education Not listed on the official RON FAQ as a required SOS RON course. Complete any training your technology provider requires. |
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Start the online commission application Complete the Remote Online Notarization Authorization application. Certify county filing proof and conforming technology. Mail it to the SOS Notary address on the form if the current instructions still require mail. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Use the communication technology you certified. Wait for the SOS email that authorizes remote online notarizations. |
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Upload your electronic seal Follow the current form instructions (mail vs online). Termination of RON authorization is done online in your notary record and has no fee. |
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Pay and submit The SOS lists no fee for RON authorization or for terminating it. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not perform remote online notarizations until the SOS email authorization is on your commission record. County recording of the traditional commission is a prerequisite.
Fees Listed by Minnesota
SOS and county amounts are from Become a Notary. RON has no SOS fee per RON Authorization FAQ. Confirm them there before you pay.
| Item | Listed amount |
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| Traditional notary education | Not listed on the official Become a Notary page as a required SOS course |
| RON education | Not listed on the official RON FAQ as a required SOS course fee |
| Traditional SOS application | $120 (non-refundable) |
| County recording of commission | $20 |
| RON authorization | No SOS fee |
| Surety bond | Not listed as required on the official Become a Notary page |
Official Minnesota Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| Become a Notary | sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille/become-a-notary |
| RON Authorization | sos.mn.gov/.../remote-online-notarization-authorization |
| Notary Public Website | notary.sos.mn.gov |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. You must be an active Minnesota notary with the commission filed in the county, then apply for RON authorization.
Q: Does Minnesota approve a list of RON platforms?
A: The SOS points to providers that offer remote communications technology on the Notary Help pages and does not endorse a vendor. You must certify that the technology conforms to § 358.645.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Become a Notary and Remote Online Notarization Authorization.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
