A notary public is a person approved by the state to check identity and watch people sign important papers. Notarization helps prevent fraud.
The notary must be neutral. A person who benefits from your document usually should not notarize it. In many states, a beneficiary or a party to the document may not be allowed to notarize. Even if a notary disagrees with what the document says, the notary can still notarize the document.
Each state has it's own requirements, so ask a local notary for information specific to your situation. Here are some example tasks that are often useful to do before your appointment:
Do not sign early unless your form instructions clearly say you can.
Most notarized forms must be signed in front of the notary.
Michigan allows remote and electronic notarization.
Michigan says only state-approved platforms may be used.
Michigan mainly uses the term “Notary Public.”
The state says a “notary signing agent” is not a separate state-certified role with extra powers.
The Michigan Secretary of State notary page is the main official source for rules and remote or electronic details.
In person, many people still find notaries at banks, law offices, and shipping or copy businesses.
This is the American Society of Notaries page for how to become a notary in Michigan.
If you need legal text, start with these Michigan law links.
Continue to filing guidance after your forms are notarized.
How to file a court formNotary guide overview