A Michigan notary acknowledgment form is used by a notary public to verify the authenticity of a signature on a legal document.
The signer must appear before the notary, show identification, and declare that the signature is theirs and given willingly. Once verified, the notary will fill out the acknowledgment form and provide their signature and seal.
Legal Considerations
Statute: § 55.287
Form of Acknowledgment: Includes a statement of the date of acknowledgment, the name of the notary public, a statement of satisfactory evidence of identification, a statement of voluntary signing, and the official signature and seal of the notary public. (§ 55.285)
Notary Term of Commission: Six to seven years, expiring on the notary’s birthday. (§ 55.269)
Notary Handbook: The Michigan Notary Public Act regulates notaries, prescribes service charges and fees, creates certain funds, and provides for remedies and penalties.
Is Online Notarization Legal in Michigan?
Yes, online notarization using state-approved audiovisual platforms is legal due to House Bills 6294, 6295, 6296, and 6297, effective November 5, 2020.
MCL §§ 55.286 through 55.287 require notaries to use secure electronic signatures and verify the signer’s identity using reliable methods when notarizing documents online. They must also keep a recording of the online session and use a platform that meets specific security and technology requirements.
How to Notarize
Step 1 – Find a Notary Public
You can search for a notary public by checking with your bank, local courthouse, or online directories.
Step 2- Fill Out the Document
Before you have your documents notarized, they should be filled out except for the signature fields. You should be in front of the notary public when you sign.
Step 3 – Show ID
Present yourself to the notary with a valid form of identification and declare your desire to sign your document(s).
Step 4 – Sign in Front of the Notary
Once your identity has been confirmed, you may sign the document(s) in the notary’s presence.
Step 5 – Let the Notary Seal the Document
After witnessing the signing of your document, the notary public will fill out a notary acknowledgment form, supplying their signature and notary credentials.
How to Verify a Notary
- Head to the Notary Public Search page on the official website of the Department of State.
- Once the page loads, you can enter the last name, first name, notary expiration date, or county of commission of the notary you wish to find. After entering the relevant information, click the “Search” button to begin your search.
- The website will redirect you to a list of search results that match your criteria. Here, you can view the name, county, appointment date, commission expiration date, and current status of each notary public who meets your search criteria. To see more details about a specific notary, click on the “View Details” option.
How to Write (for Notary)
- Download a Michigan notary acknowledgment form in PDF or Word.
- Enter the name of the county where the form is being signed.
- Enter the county’s name again, along with the date and the name of the person whose signature is being notarized.
- Provide your signature, printed name, job title, commission expiration date, and the name of your associated county.
- Although a stamp or seal is not required for Michigan notaries, you may affix one to the form in the space at the bottom right corner.