Wisconsin notary commission
Wisconsin notary commission: through DFI, not the Secretary of State
Wisconsin notaries are commissioned by the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), not the Secretary of State. Pass DFI's online tutorial exam with 90% or better, get a $500 bond, take the oath before a current notarial officer, and file with DFI for $20. A standard commission lasts four years; Wisconsin attorneys can apply for a permanent one.
Who DFI can commission
- A United States resident, at least 18 (Wis. Stat. 140.02(1)). Wisconsin residency is not listed.
- The equivalent of an 8th grade education, and familiar with a notary's duties.
- No arrest or conviction record that affects your ability to hold a position of public trust.
- A score of 90% or better on DFI's notary exam within one year of applying.
- Wisconsin attorneys in good standing may apply for a permanent commission instead (140.02(2)).
Source: Notary Public General Information, DFI; Wis. Stat. 140.02.
From DFI tutorial to certificate
- Take the tutorial and exam. DFI's online tutorial and exam. Score 90% or better and print the certificate; it counts for one year.
- Get the $500 bond. A separate $500 bond, not a blanket bond. Sign signature #1 on the bond form, then have a bonding company complete signatures #7 to #13.
- Take the oath of office. In front of a current notarial officer, with their stamp and signature.
- File with DFI. Online or on paper with the $20 fee. A complete application usually gets a certificate within 14 business days, and DFI emails you.
- Order your stamp. With only the three items the statute allows.
Source: Notary Public General Information, DFI; Notary Tutorial, chapter 1; Notary Fees, DFI.
DFI fees and a small bond
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Four-year application | $20 Paid to DFI. |
| Attorney permanent commission | $50 Instead of the four-year application, plus a $3 certificate of good standing dated within 2 months. |
| $500 bond premium | Set by surety Damages above $500 are your personal responsibility. |
| Seal or rubber stamp | Vendor price Only the three items the statute allows. |
The filing fee is $20 for a four-year commission. The bond, stamp and any remote provider are paid to the companies that supply them.
Source: Notary Fees, DFI; Notary Public General Information, DFI.
WI starter kit · $29
Wisconsin Notary Starter Kit
Wisconsin's DFI tutorial, exam, $500 bond, oath and $20 filing in order, the per-document fee cap, ID rules, the three-item stamp, remote online notarization with approved providers, the required notice, a checklist, a budget and record pages.
Four years, or permanent for attorneys
A standard Wisconsin commission lasts four years (140.02(1)(f)); attorney commissions can be permanent. DFI must notify you at least 30 days before your commission expires.
Moving within the United States does not end your commission.
Source: Wis. Stat. 140.02; Notary Tutorial, chapter 1.
Remote online notarization in Wisconsin
Remote notarization has been permitted since 2019 Wisconsin Act 125, signed March 3, 2020. No extra commission or license is needed, but only DFI-approved technology may be used: pick a provider from DFI's list, complete its onboarding and training, and let it notify DFI. If the Notary Public Search doesn't show you as a remote online notary within 14 days of training, ask the provider to resend.
You must be physically in Wisconsin. Identify the signer by personal knowledge or two types of third-party identity proofing, add "This notarial act involved the use of communication technology." to the certificate, and keep the recording at least seven years (140.145). Remote estate planning documents follow 140.147: a Wisconsin attorney supervises and the signer is physically in Wisconsin.
Source: Wis. Stat. 140.145; Wis. Stat. 140.147; Notary Public General Information, DFI.
Wisconsin's per-document fee and three-item stamp
Wisconsin caps acknowledgments and other services at no more than $5 per document, not per signature, and protests and notices of nonpayment at $5 each (140.02(9)).
Your engraved seal or rubber stamp states only "Notary Public", "State of Wisconsin" and your name. Use your full current last name without titles such as Dr., CPA or Esq., and on acknowledgment and sworn-document certificates write or stamp the date your commission expires, or that it is permanent.
Source: Wis. Stat. 140.02; Notary Public General Information, DFI.
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Wisconsin notary questions
Who commissions Wisconsin notaries?
The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), not the Secretary of State.
Do I have to live in Wisconsin to be a Wisconsin notary?
The requirement is to be a United States resident; Wisconsin residency is not listed.
What score do I need on the Wisconsin exam?
90% or better, within one year of applying.
Does the $500 bond protect me?
No. Damages above $500 are your personal responsibility.
Do Wisconsin notaries need a separate remote commission?
No. No extra commission or license is needed, but you must use DFI-approved technology.
Guides for other states · Becoming a notary in New Jersey
General information from official Wisconsin sources, checked November 2026. It is not legal advice, and we are not lawyers. Requirements and fees change, so confirm them with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) before you apply. MCC Solutions is not affiliated with the State of Wisconsin or DFI.