How to become a notary in Wisconsin: the official requirements
Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions's own published requirements.
To become a notary public in Wisconsin: Who can apply: A U.S. resident, at least 18, with the equivalent of an 8th-grade education, familiar with a notary's duties, and without an arrest or conviction record that affects your ability to hold a position of public trust. Exam: Pass the notary exam with 90% or better within one year before you apply. Bond: A $500 bond. Commission term: Four years; Wisconsin-licensed attorneys in good standing can instead get a permanent commission. Commissions are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Notary requirements in Wisconsin
| Requirement | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | A U.S. resident, at least 18, with the equivalent of an 8th-grade education, familiar with a notary's duties, and without an arrest or conviction record that affects your ability to hold a position of public trust. |
| Training | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. |
| Exam | Pass the notary exam with 90% or better within one year before you apply. |
| Bond | A $500 bond. |
| Commission term | Four years; Wisconsin-licensed attorneys in good standing can instead get a permanent commission. |
| State fee | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. |
| Background check | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. |
| Oath and filing | Complete the Oath of Office form in front of a current notarial officer. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.
How to apply in Wisconsin
- Pass the notary exam with 90% or better and print the certificate.
- Buy a $500 bond: sign the bond form and send it to the bonding company to complete.
- Buy an engraved official seal or official rubber stamp with State of Wisconsin, Notary Public and your name.
- Complete the application with your stamp and signatures, and the oath of office before a notarial officer, and submit them.
- The department emails you when your commission is complete.
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Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Every requirement on this page comes from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.
- Not legal advice.
- Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
- Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Notary Public General Information, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.