How to Become a Montana Notary

This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of becoming a notary in Montana.

1) Meet Montana’s Requirements to be a Notary Public

Montana notary applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident
  • Be a Montana resident, or
    • Be the spouse or legal dependent of military personnel assigned to active duty in Montana
    • Maintain a place of business in the state of Montana
    • Be regularly employed at an office, business, or facility located in Montana
    • Hold a current professional license to practice the profession in Montana issued by an appropriate Montana authority
  • Be able to read and write English

2) Complete Approved Training and Pass the Montana Notary Exam

As of 2020, all Montana notary applicants must finish four hours of approved notary education and pass the Montana Notary Exam. When you purchase our all-in-one notary package, you can purchase our four-hour training course for an additional $30.

First-time applicants must complete their training within 12 months of submitting their application. Renewing notaries must complete at least four hours of continuing education in the 12 months preceding application or complete two hours during each of the three years preceding renewal.

If you use Notaries.com, we’ll provide an electronic copy of your certificate that you can attach to your online application.

After finishing your training, you must pass the Montana Notary Exam with a score of at least 80%. The 50-question exam has a 60-minute time limit and includes three attempts. Access the exam portal here. You must create an account before starting.

3) Purchase a Notary Bond

All Montana notaries need a $25,000 surety bond. The state does not provide these bonds, but one is included with our notary package. Remember, the name you enter on your application, bond and seal must be identical.

4) Submit the State Application

When you purchase our notary package, we provide detailed information on how to apply online. But here are the basics.

  1. Go to the online notary portal and log in or create an account
  2. Complete the online application by filling out your information, including PDFs of your bond, training and exam certificates
  3. Pay the $25 state filing fee using a credit/debit card or eCheck

Note: If you check “Yes” for any question regarding criminal background information, you must submit explanatory documentation with your application.

5) Complete the Notary Commission Certificate Process

After you've submitted your application to the state, it may take up to six weeks for you to receive an email from the Montana Secretary of State saying that your commission is approved. Once approved, log into the Online notary portal to download your new Commission Certificate.

Because the state does not provide a notary stamp, our notary package includes a custom self-inking notary stamp that meets or exceeds state specifications. Your stamp includes:

  • Your name as it appears on the application and bond
  • The title "Notary Public for the State of Montana"
  • The words "Residing at [your location], Montana"
  • Your notary commission expiration date*

*Because the expiration date is required, we cannot manufacture your notary stamp until you send your Commission Certificate to us. Email it to info@notaries.com, then we’ll promptly ship your custom stamp to you.

Montana also requires all notaries to keep a journal of their work. That’s why we include a notary record-keeping journal in our complete notary package.