What is a Wisconsin notary public bond?

Wisconsin Statutes 140.02 requires individuals file a 4-year $500 surety bond as part of the notary appointment application process. By filing a Wisconsin notary bond, notaries agree to faithfully perform all duties during their notary commission as required by law.

How much does a Wisconsin notary bond cost?

Wisconsin notary bonds cost $20 for the state-required 4-year term. Packages including errors and omissions insurance coverage are also available. Including an errors and omissions insurance policy with your bond ensures you are not held personally liable for mistakes made while notarizing documents.

How do you get a notary bond in Wisconsin?

To get your Wisconsin notary bond, select the notary package you would like. Then provide your name and mailing address to buy your bond securely online in minutes. Once your payment is received, your official bond documents will be delivered to your email.

How fast can I get a notary public surety bond?

SuretyBonds.com offers instant Wisconsin notary surety bond delivery 24/7. Purchase now to receive your official bond delivered in minutes by email.

Why do you need a notary bond in Wisconsin?

If a notary fails to perform their duties according to law, their notary public surety bond protects those harmed. The surety company will pay valid claims for damages suffered up to the full $500 bond amount. The bonded notary must then reimburse the surety company.

Who commissions notaries in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions appoints notaries in the state and enforces requirements for notary forms. If you're licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, you can request a permanent notary commission, which does not require a $500 surety bond.

How do I update or change my notary public form?

If the state requires your Wisconsin surety bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety company. If you purchased your notary public surety bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change.

The most common changes for these bonds are the notary's name and mailing address.

How do I renew my notary bond?

Renew your Wisconsin notary bond before your 4-year term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, a new surety bond will be emailed to you in minutes.

How do I become a Wisconsin notary?

1. You must meet the following requirements before applying to be a Wisconsin notary public.

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. resident
• Have at least an 8th grade education
• Not have unacceptable arrests or convictions

2. File the following with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Notary Records Section.

• Notary Tutorial Exam certificate
• Wisconsin notary application
• oath of office
• $500 Wisconsin surety bond
• $20 filing fee

3. Submit your documents by email to [email protected] or by mail.

Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions

4822 Madison Yards Way

North Tower Madison, WI 53705

4. Purchase an official engraved rubber notary stamp or seal.

The state will provide you with an official certificate of appointment to be a notary public.

Learn How to get a Wisconsin notary public license by reviewing our comprehensive guide.

Can you notarize remotely in Wisconsin?

2019 Wisconsin Act 125 was signed into law on March 3, 2020, to authorize remote online notarization.

To perform remote online notarization, Wisconsin residents must obtain services from a state-approved technology provider. Any remote notarization platform used by a notary public must be capable of identify-proofing, credential verification, and recording/storing transactions.

After completing training with your technology provider, verify your name appears on the list of Wisconsin notaries authorized to perform remote online notarizations. The list is updated weekly. A Wisconsin notary may charge a maximum $25 fee for a remote notarial act.