How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Michigan (2026)

Overview

Michigan’s early adoption of RON means the framework is mature and well-tested. The key requirement is vendor approval – Michigan maintains an official list of approved systems, and using an unapproved platform voids the notarization. Once you have your commission and an approved vendor set up, you can begin taking remote sessions without filing any additional state paperwork.

Michigan RON: PA 391 of 2018 – What It Actually Says

Michigan’s RON law has several features that differ from states that adopted frameworks later:

• No separate RON registration or application required – your existing notary commission covers remote acts when performed on an approved system
• The notary must be physically located in Michigan during the session (the signer can be anywhere)
• Approved vendor platforms must provide identity verification, tamper-evident sealing, and audio-visual communication
• Electronic journal entries required for every remote act
• Audio-video recordings must be retained for 3 years (shorter than most states)
• The maximum fee per remote notarial act is $20
• The notarial certificate must include a statement that the act was performed using communication technology

Michigan’s Approved Vendor System: How It Works

Michigan’s Department of State maintains a list of approved electronic/remote notarization technology providers. You must select from this list – you cannot use a platform that has not been approved by Michigan, even if it is widely used in other RON states. This is the most common point of confusion for Michigan notaries.

Platforms that have been on Michigan’s approved list include:

• Notarize (Proof) – largest consumer-facing volume in Michigan, pays per completed session
• NotaryLive – flexible scheduling, strong notary-side experience
• DocVerify – enterprise and financial document workflows
• SIGNiX – mortgage and title company integrations
• Pavaso – real estate closing focus

Always verify the current approved vendor list with the Michigan Department of State before committing to a platform. Approval status can change.

Your Electronic Notary Setup in Michigan

Because Michigan does not require state registration, your setup is entirely platform-driven. Before your first session you need:

• Electronic seal – must display your name, state, commission expiration date, and commission number. Your approved vendor platform generates this, but verify it matches your Michigan commission exactly.
• Electronic journal – required per act. Most Michigan-approved platforms maintain this automatically.
• Certificate language – your notarial certificate must state the act was performed using communication technology and that the signer appeared by audio-visual means. Approved platforms handle this language automatically in their certificate templates.
• Identity verification – credential analysis plus KBA is standard on Michigan-approved platforms.

Michigan’s $20 Fee Cap

Michigan caps remote notarial act fees at $20 per act. This is higher than the traditional in-person cap of $10, reflecting the additional technology overhead. Most consumer-facing platforms like Notarize charge the end client directly and pay the notary a per-session fee – the fee cap governs what you charge if billing clients directly.

What Michigan RON Notaries Can Notarize

Michigan RON covers acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, jurats, and signature witnessing. Practical volume comes from:

• Real estate and mortgage closings – Michigan has a strong title and closing industry that has embraced RON
• Loan documents – high repeat volume through lender platforms
• Legal documents – powers of attorney, affidavits, business documents
• Out-of-state signers – the notary must be in Michigan, but signers can be anywhere

Common Mistakes Michigan RON Notaries Make

• Using a platform not on Michigan’s approved vendor list – this voids the notarization
• Not including the required communication technology statement in the certificate
• Charging more than $20 per remote notarial act
• Not retaining audio-video recordings for the required 3 years
• Performing remote sessions while physically outside Michigan

Before You Start

Michigan’s no-registration model is convenient but requires discipline around vendor compliance. Confirm your vendor is currently approved before taking your first job. Official reference: Michigan Department of State – Notary Public.

FAQ