How much is the bond to become a notary in Wisconsin?

$500, the lowest notary bond in the country. It must stay active for the full four-year term, and the small amount keeps the premium low.

Is there an exam to become a Wisconsin notary?

Yes. You pass the Department of Financial Institutions online tutorial and exam at 90% or higher. Attorneys are exempt.

Do you apply to the Secretary of State in Wisconsin?

No. Notary commissions are handled by the Department of Financial Institutions, and Wisconsin residency is not required to apply.

How much can a Wisconsin notary charge?

Up to $5 per notarial act. Travel fees for mobile notary work are charged separately and agreed in advance.

Can a Wisconsin attorney get a permanent commission?

Yes. Attorneys in good standing pay a $50 fee for a permanent commission and are exempt from the tutorial and exam.

How to Become a Notary in Wisconsin (2026): Lowest Bond, Exam & Cost

This guide is educational and informational, not legal advice. Wisconsin notary rules are set in Chapter 140 of the Statutes and administered by the Department of Financial Institutions, and can change, so confirm the details with the Department before you apply. We link to official resources; we never sell or submit applications.

Quick answer: To become a notary in Wisconsin you must be 18 and a U.S. resident. You pass a free online tutorial and exam through the Department of Financial Institutions with a score of 90%, buy a $500 surety bond, the lowest in the country, and apply with a $20 fee. The commission lasts four years, while licensed Wisconsin attorneys can get a permanent one. Use the checklist below to total your cost.

Open the cost checklist ↓

What does it cost to become a notary in Wisconsin?

Becoming a Wisconsin notary usually costs $70 to $130, helped by the lowest bond requirement in the country. The fixed state charge is the $20 filing fee, and the $500 bond is inexpensive to purchase because the amount is so small. The tutorial and exam are free through the Department, leaving your stamp as the other main cost. Tick what applies and the checklist totals it live.

How do you become a notary in Wisconsin?

You become a Wisconsin notary by passing the state tutorial and exam, bonding, and applying to the Department of Financial Institutions. The steps, in order, are:

Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 18, a U.S. resident, with at least an eighth-grade education and no disqualifying convictions.
Pass the DFI tutorial and exam. Complete the free online notary tutorial and score 90% or higher on the exam, within one year of applying.
Buy a $500 surety bond. Purchase the bond from a company licensed in Wisconsin and have the bond form completed.
Complete and notarize the application. Sign your application and oath of office before a notarial officer, and attach your stamp.
Submit to the DFI with the $20 fee. File online through the MyWisconsinID portal or by mail with your exam certificate and bond, then wait for your commission before notarizing.

Do you have to pass an exam to become a Wisconsin notary?

Yes, Wisconsin requires you to complete the Department of Financial Institutions online tutorial and pass its exam with a score of 90% or better, despite older guides that claim there is no test. The exam is open book and free, and you can retake it until you pass, as long as you do so within one year of submitting your application. Licensed Wisconsin attorneys are the exception and are not required to take the tutorial and exam.

What are the requirements to become a Wisconsin notary?

The Wisconsin requirements stand out for the low bond and the agency involved. Applications go to the Department of Financial Institutions rather than a Secretary of State, and you must be at least 18, a U.S. resident with at least an eighth-grade education; Wisconsin residency itself is not required. You pass the 90% exam, post a $500 surety bond, the lowest in the nation, and obtain a seal showing "Notary Public," "State of Wisconsin," and your legal last name. A journal is recommended but not mandatory.

Can attorneys get a permanent notary commission in Wisconsin?

Yes, licensed Wisconsin attorneys in good standing with the state Supreme Court can receive a permanent notary commission rather than the four-year term, which is unusual among the states. The attorney commission costs a $50 filing fee instead of the $20 charged for a four-year non-attorney commission, and attorneys are exempt from the tutorial and exam. For everyone else, the commission expires after four years and must be renewed with a new application, bond, and fee.

How do you renew or notarize online in Wisconsin?

You renew a four-year commission by submitting a new application with a fresh $500 bond and the $20 fee, ideally 30 to 60 days before it expires to avoid a lapse. Wisconsin caps the fee a notary may charge at $5 per notarial act, so renewing on time protects your ability to keep earning. Wisconsin also permits remote online notarization, which you apply for through the Department of Financial Institutions once you hold a commission.

Becoming a Wisconsin notary: frequently asked questions

How much is the bond to become a notary in Wisconsin?: $500, the lowest notary bond in the country. It must stay active for the full four-year term, and the small amount keeps the premium low.
Is there an exam to become a Wisconsin notary?: Yes. You pass the Department of Financial Institutions online tutorial and exam at 90% or higher. Attorneys are exempt.
Do you apply to the Secretary of State in Wisconsin?: No. Notary commissions are handled by the Department of Financial Institutions, and Wisconsin residency is not required to apply.
How much can a Wisconsin notary charge?: Up to $5 per notarial act. Travel fees for mobile notary work are charged separately and agreed in advance.
Can a Wisconsin attorney get a permanent commission?: Yes. Attorneys in good standing pay a $50 fee for a permanent commission and are exempt from the tutorial and exam.

Published June 13, 2026 by the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Notary Public program and Four-Year Notary Public Commission Application; Chapter 140 of the Wisconsin Statutes; Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Confirm current fees and steps with the Department of Financial Institutions before applying.