How to Become a Notary in Wisconsin (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your Wisconsin notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official Wisconsin state sources.
How to Become a Notary in Wisconsin — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in Wisconsin, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of Wisconsin or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Obtain your $500 surety bond
Wisconsin requires a $500 surety bond before you can be commissioned. Purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company — the actual premium typically costs $40–$100 for your entire 4-year term. The bond protects the public from errors you may make as a notary; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application to the Department of Financial Institutions
File your completed notary application with the Department of Financial Institutions and pay the $20 application fee. Include proof of your surety bond with the application. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — within 30–90 days. Missing this deadline can void your commission entirely.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official Wisconsin notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Department of Financial Institutions requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text. Supplies typically cost $30–$60. Estimated cost for Wisconsin: $40.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in Wisconsin. Traditional notary fees in Wisconsin: up to $5 per act (state-capped). Wisconsin also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), capped at $5 per act — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your Wisconsin Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for Wisconsin. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
Wisconsin Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $20 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | $500 face value (~$40–$100 to purchase) |
| Exam | Not required |
| Education course | Not required |
| Notary supplies (stamp + journal) | ~$40 |
| Filing office | Department of Financial Institutions |
| RON available | Yes |
| Est. total startup cost | $100–$160 |
Wisconsin has the lowest bond requirement in the country at just $500. Permanent attorney commission available for $50. Applications filed with the Dept. of Financial Institutions — not the Secretary of State.
Source: Department of Financial Institutions — Official Wisconsin Notary Page ↗
What Can a Wisconsin Notary Charge?
Wisconsin caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act. Remote online notarizations are capped at $5. $5 per act plus a technology fee for RON.
Source: Wisconsin Notary Fee Authority ↗
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a Wisconsin Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your Wisconsin notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.
Explore Notary Signing Agent Training →