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In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in Montana, we lay out the roadmap to achieving this goal. With easy-to-follow, actionable steps, we’ll help you navigate this intriguing process, turning the complex into simple.
Whether you’re looking to serve your community or generate additional income, this article will offer everything you need to know to get started.
Recommended: Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include the state-required training, a surety bond, notary supplies, and four years of notary hotline phone support.
Become a Notary in Montana
In order to become a notary in Montana, you will need to complete a few simple steps.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
If you want to become a Montana notary, you must first ensure that you satisfy the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Be a Montana resident
- Be able to read and write English
If you aren’t a Montana resident, there are a couple of other ways you can do to satisfy this requirement:
- Be the spouse or legal dependent of military personnel assigned to active duty in the state
- Maintain a place of business in Montana that’s registered pursuant to Title 35 and meet any of the local government’s applicable business licensing requirements
- Have been regularly employed by a business located and licensed to do business in the state
- Hold a valid professional license to practice a profession in the state issued by an appropriate Montana authority
Step 2: Complete Your Notary Training
Next, notary applicants will need to complete four hours of training from a provider approved by the Secretary of State.
You can find a list of education courses that the Notary & Certifications Division has approved on the Secretary of State’s website.
Each course contains a short description of the content and how many credit hours it’s worth to help you with this decision.
As a new notary, you’ll have to finish your training within the 12 months preceding the submission of your complete application.
Recommended Course
Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include the state-required training, a surety bond, notary supplies, and four years of notary hotline phone support.
Step 3: Take the Notary Exam
Next, you will have to pass the Montana Notary Exam in order to prove that you possess a sufficient understanding of the responsibilities and duties of being a notary public.
The test is composed of 50 questions, which you have one hour to complete. In order to pass, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher in one of your three attempts.
If you are unable to pass the exam in three attempts, you will have to wait three months before you can retake the exam.
Once you pass the exam, you will have to submit your application within six months.
Note: After passing your exam, remember to request for your certificate be emailed to you and keep it safe, as you will need it later on during the online application process.
Step 4: Get a $25,000 Surety Bond
Most insurance agents in Montana will offer surety bonds, as well as a host of online merchants. While the price typically varies, for a surety bond with a four-year term, you should expect to pay between $50–$70.
Make sure to use the name you’re planning on using as your official notary name on your bond application. For more information on this, see the Montana Notary Public Handbook.
You will need to sign the surety bond form twice — once by yourself, and again in the presence of a notary public in order to take your Oath of Office.
Note: When signing your bond form, it’s essential you use the signature you will sign when offering notary services in the future.
Step 5: Notary Public Application Form
Next, you’ll need to create an account on the Secretary of State’s Online Notary Portal, complete the online application process for new commissions, and pay a $25 filing fee.
As part of this process, you’ll need the following supporting documents as PDFs:
- Your Certificate of Notary Training Completion
- Your Exam Certificate
- Your Official Bond Form
Make sure to include your name on this application exactly as it appears on your bond form.
Note: For any queries you may have about the process of becoming a notary, be sure to reach out to the Montana Secretary of State by calling (406) 444-1877 or emailing them at sosnotary@mt.gov.
Step 6: Obtain Your Notary Stamp
If your application is successful, you’ll soon receive an email informing you of this that contains your Commission Certificate.
Once you have this, you’ll be able to purchase your notary seal and journal. The Secretary of State has curated a list of Recommended Vendors who provide stamps that meet Montana regulations.
Step 7: Protect Yourself with Errors and Omissions Insurance
While not required by Montana notary law, it’s a good idea to consider protecting yourself with Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.
This type of insurance provides coverage for any potential mistakes or omissions that you might make as you perform notarial acts.
It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you peace of mind while operating for a relatively low opportunity cost.
Recommended: Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include the state-required training, a surety bond, notary supplies, and four years of notary hotline phone support.
How to Become a Notary in Montana FAQ
How many questions is the Montana notary exam?
The Montana notary exam consists of 50 questions that you must complete within 60 minutes. These questions will cover various aspects of notarial law and procedures in the state. See the Montana Notary Public Handbook for more details regarding the notary exam.
What is the hardest state to become a notary?
The difficulty of becoming a notary can vary depending on how well-prepared an applicant is. However, California is often regarded as one of the more challenging states due to how comprehensive its exam and mandatory training course are. To ensure you’re well-prepared for the notary exam, see our article on How to Become a Notary in Montana.
How do I become a remote notary in Montana?
To become a remote notary in Montana, you must first be a commissioned notary public in good standing. Then, you have to complete a state-approved remote online notarization (RON) course and pass the RON provider’s exam. Finally, you’ll need to submit an application through the Secretary of State’s online portal. For more information on this general process, see our article on How to Become a Notary.
How much does it cost to become a notary public in Montana?
The cost of becoming a notary public in Montana involves a few essential fees, such as the application fee ($25), the notary exam ($25), and a four-year notary bond of $25,000 (around $50). In addition to this, you will need to buy a stamp/seal ($20–$40) and a notary journal for record keeping.
How long does a notary commission last in Montana?
A Montana notary commission lasts for four years — this period starts from the date you receive your Commission Certificate from the Secretary of State and ends four years later. After this time, Montana notaries public will need to undergo the renewal process if they wish to continue operating legitimately.
For all related articles, have a look at our How to Become a Notary page.