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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 Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Notary Records Section using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Wisconsin issues four-year notary commissions (and permanent commissions for Wisconsin-licensed attorneys) through the Department of Financial Institutions. Remote online notarization does not require a second DFI commission or a DFI RON filing fee. You must already be a commissioned Wisconsin notary, use only a DFI/Remote Notary Council–approved technology provider, complete that provider’s training, and remain physically in Wisconsin during the act.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow DFI’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 Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Notary Records Section’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a Wisconsin notary public on a four-year commission, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Four-Year Commission, Then an Approved Provider
Complete the DFI commission first. Then enroll with an approved technology provider. The provider notifies DFI; you may use the platform once the provider has approved you. There is no separate DFI RON license.
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Read the official notary and RON pages Open Notary File Online, Remote Online Notary, and Guidance for Notaries Seeking to Perform Notarial Acts for Remotely Located Individuals. |
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File the traditional commission Pass Notary Tutorial and Exam, obtain the $500 bond and seal, and file through Notary File Online with the $20 fee. |
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If you already hold a Wisconsin commission, enroll with an approved provider before the first remote session Use only providers on List of Approved Remote Online Notary Technology Providers. Do not use unapproved technology. |
Part 1: Traditional Wisconsin Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Wisconsin notary public commission. You cannot perform remote acts for Wisconsin until this commission is in place.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Wisconsin Notary Handbook, Chapter 140, Wis. Stats., and Notary File Online. |
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Complete traditional notary education Pass Notary Tutorial and Exam with 90 percent or better (four-year applicants). A separate exam dollar amount is not printed on Notary Fees. |
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Obtain a $500 surety bond Four-year applicants complete the DFI bond form with a bonding company. Permanent attorney commissions skip the bond (Notary File Online). |
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Submit the traditional application File the application, notarized oath, bond form, exam certificate, and $20 fee (or $50 plus a Supreme Court certificate of good standing for a permanent attorney commission). Do not perform notarial acts until DFI notifies you that the commission is issued. |
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Obtain a seal The seal or stamp must include “State of Wisconsin,” “Notary Public,” and your printed name including your full current last name, with no professional title. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
DFI does not issue a separate RON commission. Use only an approved provider. The notary must be in Wisconsin. Audio-visual recordings must be kept at least seven years. Estate-planning documents follow different remote procedures in Part 3 of the DFI guidance.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Remote Online Notary, Guidance for Notaries Seeking to Perform Notarial Acts for Remotely Located Individuals, and Wis. Stat. §§ 140.145, 140.147, and 140.20. |
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Complete online notary education DFI does not list a separate statewide RON course fee. Complete the onboarding and training your approved provider requires before the first remote act (Guidance for Notaries Seeking to Perform Notarial Acts for Remotely Located Individuals § 2B.4). |
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Start the online commission application Not applicable as a DFI RON application. There is no second DFI commission. Enroll with the approved provider; the provider notifies DFI. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Complete certificate and platform setup with the approved provider. DFI does not collect a RON filing fee. |
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Upload your electronic seal Not applicable as a DFI seal-upload portal. Configure the seal in the approved platform. |
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Pay and submit There is no DFI RON filing fee on Notary Fees. Provider charges are separate. After the provider notifies DFI, the public notary search is updated to show RON authorization. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not use Skype, FaceTime, or other unapproved tools as a substitute for an approved RON platform. Unapproved technology is not authorized.
Fees Listed by the Department of Financial Institutions
Traditional amounts are from Notary Fees and Notary File Online. DFI does not list a RON filing fee. Confirm them there before you pay. Bond premiums and platform fees are extra.
| Item | Listed amount |
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| Notary tutorial and exam | Required at 90% for four-year applicants (no separate exam dollar amount printed on the Notary Fees page) |
| RON provider training | Set by the approved provider; not a DFI course fee |
| Four-year application | $20 |
| Attorney permanent application | $50 |
| DFI RON registration | Not applicable (no separate DFI RON commission or filing fee) |
| Surety bond | $500 coverage (four-year commissions) |
Official Wisconsin Links
| Resource | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Notary File Online | dfi.wi.gov/.../NotaryFileOnline.aspx |
| Remote Online Notary | dfi.wi.gov/.../RemoteOnlineNotary.aspx |
| Approved technology providers | apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/NotaryTechProvider/TechProvider |
| Notary Records Section | (608) 266-8915 | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for RON first?
A: No. You must hold a Wisconsin notary commission. DFI does not issue a separate RON commission. Enroll with an approved provider after the traditional commission is in place.
Q: Does Wisconsin approve a list of RON platforms?
A: Yes. Use only providers on List of Approved Remote Online Notary Technology Providers. Approval means the provider met DFI and Remote Notary Council standards; it is not a recommendation of one provider over another.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Notary Fees, Notary File Online, and Remote Online Notary.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
