How to become a notary in Wisconsin
Notaries in Wisconsin are commissioned by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
The state's website could not be fully reached when we checked, so some details come from Wisconsin law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a notary in Wisconsin?
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. resident (Wisconsin residency not required by statute)
- At least the equivalent of an 8th grade education
- Pass the DFI notary exam with 90% or better within one year of applying
- No disqualifying arrest or conviction record
What are the Wisconsin notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) |
|---|---|
| Training required | DFI pairs its required exam with an online notary tutorial; no separate course requirement was found. Wisconsin-licensed attorneys can get a permanent commission ($50) instead. |
| Exam required | Yes. The DFI online notary tutorial/exam must be passed with 90% or better within one year before applying; the certificate is uploaded with the application. |
| Surety bond | $500 |
| Application fee | $20 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Remote online notarization | Yes; Wisconsin notaries may perform remote online notarizations after getting authorization through a DFI-approved communication technology provider. |
Steps to become a notary in Wisconsin
- Take the DFI online notary tutorial and pass the exam with 90% or better; save the certificate
- Create a My Wisconsin ID and start the application in DFI's online notary system
- Print and sign the application and swear the oath of office before a notarial officer
- Buy a $500 surety bond and have the bonding company complete the bond form
- Upload the application, oath, bond and exam certificate, then pay the $20 fee by card
- After approval, get a seal or stamp showing State of Wisconsin, Notary Public and your name
Apply on the official Wisconsin site
How do you find a notary in Wisconsin?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official Wisconsin notary lookup.