Michigan, like many states, commissions notaries. Part of the process to becoming a notary in the state is to obtain a Michigan Notary Bond. Learn more about what these notary bonds guarantee, how to easily obtain one, and what they cost.
A Michigan Notary is: “An officer commissioned by the Michigan Secretary of State to serve as an unbiased and impartial witness on business, public and other documents.” In Michigan, a notary is a statewide appointment, meaning the commissioned notary may notarize documents anywhere in the state.
A Michigan commissioned notary may perform three types of notarial acts or notarizations. These include:
A Michigan Notary Bond is a surety bond that protects the public against misconduct of a commissioned notary while performing a notarial act. The bond offers financial protection to a party damaged by a Michigan notary public’s failure to perform their duties as notary.
Official misconduct is defined as:
In Michigan, a Notary public is not liable for the truth, form or contents of a record that they notarize.
As part of their application and commissioning, a Michigan Notary Public (called the principal) must purchase a surety bond from a licensed bond company (the surety). The notary pays the bond premium and agrees to indemnify the surety from any losses. In return, the surety provides a financial guarantee to the state of Michigan (the obligee) on behalf of any party damaged by the notary’s misconduct or failure to properly perform their duties while performing a notarial act.
Anyone damaged by the notary’s act can make a claim against the bond. The bond company will investigate the claim, and pay the injured party if necessary. The bond company can then go back to the notary and seek reimbursement under the general indemnity agreement.
A Michigan Notary Bond is required to be in the amount of $10,000. This amount is the most a bond company is required to pay out against the bond, regardless of the number of claims filed, or the dollar amount of the claims.
Damages caused by a notary’s failure or mistake are typically much more than the bond amount. A payment against the notary bond does not usually absolve the notary from further liability and lawsuits.
It is usually a good practice for a notary to obtain errors and omissions insurance (E&O) in addition to the notary bond. As mentioned above, the notary bond amount is usually not sufficient to pay all claims that could arise against the notary. Notary E&O coverage provides protection for the notary. It is insurance that can protect the notary in the event of lawsuits against them. Many policies include defense costs and different amounts of coverage can be purchased at a reasonable cost.
Michigan Notary Bonds are inexpensive. Pricing depends on the bond company but a notary bond without E&O insurance can be obtained for as little as $30. A bond with $25,000 in notary E&O insurance can be obtained for about $100.
Michigan Notary Bonds can be purchased instantly online with no credit checks. Simply provide the applicants contact information, pay and print the bond. You can have a Michigan Notary Bond online in minutes.
Yes, Axcess Surety can issue Michigan Notary Bonds with no credit check. Even those with credit challenges can purchase a bond instantly online.
A Michigan Notary Bond must be for the same duration as the notary’s commission. In Michigan, this can be 6 years or 7 years. If the commission is before your birthday, it will be for a 6 year term. If the commission is after your birthday, it will be for a 7 year term. The bond should expire on the notary’s birthday. At the end of the notary’s commission, a new bond will need to be obtained to continue as a commissioned notary.
A surety may cancel a Michigan Notary Bond by giving 60 day written notice to the notary, the state of Michigan and the County Clerk where the bond was filed. However, the surety will still be responsible for any claims that occurred while the bond was active and during the cancellation period.
In order for a Michigan Notary Bond to be accepted by the state, it needs to be from an approved surety bond company. It is always a good idea to verify the surety bond to make sure it is from a reliable source.
Notaries in Michigan need to have a notary surety bond. Michigan notary surety bonds are easy to obtain. These bonds can be purchased online instantly without a credit check. Notaries may need other license bonds which can also be purchased online at our Michigan Surety Bond Page. For all your bond needs and questions, contact the experts at Axcess Surety today.
Axcess Surety is the premier provider of surety bonds nationally. We work individuals and businesses across the country to provide the best surety bond programs at the best price.
