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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 Montana Secretary of State, Notary & Certifications Division using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Montana commissions notaries for four years through the online notary portal. Traditional, IPEN, remote online (R.O.N.), and remote (tangible document) notarization are different methods. RON has been available to Montana notaries since October 1, 2019. You must be physically in Montana; the signer may be anywhere.
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 Montana Secretary of State, Notary & Certifications Division’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a Montana notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Online Notary Portal
All new, renewal, and update filings must go through the portal. Paper submissions are returned. Add RON later with an Information Update, approved course, exam, and named technology.
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Read the official applying and technology pages Open Applying for a Commission and Technology Based Notarization: Remote, R.O.N., IPEN. |
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Complete training, exam, and bond before you file Save PDF certificates. The name on the application must match the bond. |
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If you already hold a Montana commission, register technology-based notarization before the first RON session Follow the registration bullets on Technology Based Notarization: Remote, R.O.N., IPEN. |
Part 1: Traditional Montana Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Montana notary public commission. You still must complete RON course, exam, and the Information Update before remote online acts.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Applying for a Commission. Renewals cannot be filed more than 30 days before expiration or after the 30-day grace period. |
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Complete traditional notary education At least four hours from Notary Academy (renewals: four hours in the 12 months before application, or two hours in each of the three years before renewal). Then pass the SOS exam. |
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Obtain a $25,000 surety bond Use the standardized Montana bond/oath form. Bond cost is described as usually about $50–$70 for the four-year term. |
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Submit the traditional application File in the Online Notary Portal with training and exam certificates and the bond. Pay the non-refundable $25 filing fee by card or eCheck. |
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Download the certificate, then buy stamp and journal After approval email, download the Commission Certificate from the portal. Use a stamp that meets SOS requirements and a tamper-proof paper or tamper-evident electronic journal. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
For IPEN, RON, or remote (tangible) notarization: select technology, complete an approved course from the technology provider or an approved third party, pass the exam, and submit the Notary Public Information Update with proof of completion. RON uses live two-way audio-visual technology on an electronic record. Record the entire session.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Technology Based Notarization: Remote, R.O.N., IPEN, Notary Help Center, and Title 1, chapter 5, MCA / ARM Title 44, chapter 15. |
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Complete online notary education Complete an approved RON/IPEN/remote course and pass the examination. Notary Academy lists SOS-approved RON courses (provider tuition; one listed example is $45 / 2 hours—confirm current offerings). |
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Start the online commission application Submit the Notary Public Information Update form through the portal with proof of course and examination. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Identify the electronic notarization system or communication technology you will use. |
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Upload your electronic seal Provide completion proof and technology details in the portal update. There is no separate “RON commission number” described on the technology page. |
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Pay and submit Not listed as a separate SOS dollar fee on the technology-based notarization page for the Information Update. Confirm any portal fee before you file. Course tuition is paid to the education provider. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not treat traditional, IPEN, RON, and remote (tangible) as interchangeable. Complete the Information Update before the first technology-based act.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
The $25 filing fee and $25,000 bond are from Applying for a Commission. RON course tuition is paid to an approved provider listed on Notary Academy. Confirm amounts there before you pay.
| Item | Listed amount |
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| Traditional education (4 hours) and SOS exam | Course paid to an approved academy provider; SOS exam as the applying page describes |
| RON / IPEN / remote course and exam | Paid to an approved provider (confirm current tuition on the Notary Academy) |
| Traditional application (new or renewal) | $25 (non-refundable) |
| RON Information Update | Not listed as a separate SOS dollar fee on the technology page; confirm in the portal |
| Surety bond | $25,000 coverage (premium paid to the surety) |
Official Montana Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| Applying for a Commission | sosmt.gov/notary/applying-for-a-commission-new-and-renewal |
| Technology-based notarization | sosmt.gov/notary/technology-based-notarization-remote-r-o-n-ipen |
| Notary Academy | sosmt.gov/notary/academy |
| Notary office | (406) 444-1877 | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. Hold a Montana notary commission in good standing, then complete the approved technology course and exam and file the Information Update before RON, IPEN, or remote (tangible) acts.
Q: Does Montana approve a list of RON platforms?
A: Yes. The technology-based notarization page exemplifies approved providers. Verify current details with the provider. The SOS does not treat the list as a recommendation of one vendor.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Applying for a Commission and Technology Based Notarization: Remote, R.O.N., IPEN.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
