Blank Michigan 98 PDF Form

What is the Michigan 98 form used for?

The Michigan 98 form is an application for a Notary Public commission in the state of Michigan. It is required for individuals who wish to become a notary public. The form collects essential information such as your name, address, and identification details. It also includes questions about any previous notary commissions and any felony or misdemeanor convictions. Completing this form is the first step in the process of becoming a commissioned notary in Michigan.

What are the steps to complete the Michigan 98 form?

To complete the Michigan 98 form, you must fill out all required fields accurately. This includes providing your full name, driver's license number, residence address, and other personal information. After filling out the form, you must swear an oath and file a $10,000 surety bond with the county clerk's office. Additionally, you need to pay a nonrefundable $10 application fee. Once these steps are done, you can mail your completed application to the Office of the Great Seal for processing.

How long does it take to receive my notary commission after submitting the form?

After you submit your completed Michigan 98 form along with the required oath, bond, and fees, you can expect to receive your notary public commission card within 14 business days. The card will be mailed to the residence address you provided on your application. It is important to ensure that this address matches what is on file with the Michigan Department of State for your driver's license or personal identification card.

What should I do if I need to change my name or address after receiving my commission?

If you need to change your name or address after receiving your notary commission, you must report these changes to the Office of the Great Seal. You will need to use the Michigan Notary Public Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change form, which can be found on the Michigan Department of State website. Ensure that the name and address you provide match what is on file with the Department of State. If there is a discrepancy, your request may be returned with instructions on how to correct it.

1. Illegible handwriting can lead to confusion and delays. Ensure that all information is printed clearly or typed.

2. Forgetting to match your full name with your State driver’s license or ID card can result in rejection. Double-check this detail.

3. Omitting previous or alias names is a common mistake. If you have any, list them; if not, check the N/A box.

4. Providing an incorrect residence address can cause issues. Make sure it matches your ID, including any PO boxes or apartment numbers.

5. Failing to include a valid email address can slow down communication. If you don’t have one, check the N/A box.

6. Not disclosing criminal history accurately can lead to serious consequences. Be honest about any convictions.

7. Missing the application fee of $10.00 is a frequent oversight. Ensure you include a check or money order with your application.

8. Neglecting to file the application within the required time frame can lead to rejection. Submit it within 90 days after your oath is administered.

The Michigan 98 form is a crucial document for anyone seeking to become a notary public in Michigan. Alongside this application, several other forms and documents may be necessary to ensure compliance with state regulations. Below is a list of commonly used forms that accompany the Michigan 98 form, each serving a specific purpose in the notary commissioning process.

• Oath of Office: This document is a sworn statement affirming the notary's commitment to uphold the duties of the office. It must be administered by a county clerk or authorized official before submitting the Michigan 98 form.
• Surety Bond: A $10,000 surety bond is required for most applicants, ensuring financial protection against any potential misconduct. This bond must be filed with the county clerk prior to application submission.
• Application for Commission Renewal: Notaries must renew their commission every six years. This application is similar to the Michigan 98 form and requires updated information and fees.
• Notary Public Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change: If a notary changes their name or address, this form must be submitted to update the records with the Office of the Great Seal.
• Proof of Legal Presence: Non-citizens must provide documentation proving their legal presence in the United States, which is essential for the notary application process.
• State Bar Number Verification: For licensed attorneys, this verification confirms their status with the Michigan State Bar, allowing them to bypass the surety bond requirement.
• Notary Public Stamp/Seal Order Form: Although not required, many notaries choose to use a stamp or seal. This form helps in ordering these items from suppliers.
• Fee Payment Form: A check or money order for the application fee must accompany the Michigan 98 form. This document ensures that payment is processed correctly.
• Freedom of Information Act Disclosure Form: This form outlines the applicant's understanding that their information may be subject to public disclosure under state law.
• Criminal Background Check Authorization: Depending on the county, a background check may be required to verify the applicant's criminal history, ensuring they meet the qualifications for a notary public.

Understanding these accompanying documents is vital for a smooth application process. Each form plays a significant role in verifying the qualifications and ensuring the integrity of the notary public in Michigan. By preparing these documents in advance, applicants can avoid delays and streamline their journey to becoming a commissioned notary.

The Michigan 98 form, used for applying for a Notary Public commission, shares similarities with several other legal documents. Here are eight documents that have comparable functions or requirements:

• Notary Application Form (State-Specific): Like the Michigan 98 form, many states have their own application forms for individuals seeking notary commissions. These forms typically require personal information, proof of identity, and sometimes a background check.
• Oath of Office Document: This document is often required for notaries to affirm their commitment to uphold the law. Similar to the oath taken in the Michigan 98 form, other states require a sworn statement affirming the notary’s duties.
• Surety Bond Form: In many states, notaries must file a surety bond to protect the public from potential misconduct. This requirement mirrors the bond filing in the Michigan 98 form, ensuring financial security for notarial acts.
• Application for Business License: Both documents require detailed personal information and may necessitate proof of residency or identification. They often involve a fee and a review process by a government office.
• Background Check Authorization Form: Similar to the Michigan 98 form, this document may be required in some states to verify the applicant’s criminal history before granting a notary commission.
• Notary Public Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change Form: This form is used when notaries need to update their information, such as a name or address change, paralleling the requirements for maintaining accurate records as outlined in the Michigan 98.
• Commission Renewal Application: Just as the Michigan 98 form is necessary for initial applications, many states require a renewal application to continue serving as a notary, often with similar information and fees.
• Certificate of Good Standing: This document may be needed to prove that a notary is in good standing with their state’s requirements, akin to the affirmation of legal presence and compliance included in the Michigan 98 form.

When filling out the Michigan 98 form, there are important guidelines to follow to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here’s a helpful list of things you should and shouldn’t do:

• Do print or type your information clearly. All fields must be completed.
• Do make sure your full name matches your State driver’s license or ID card.
• Do include your residence address exactly as it appears on your ID, including any PO boxes or apartment numbers.
• Do attach additional pages if you have felony or misdemeanor convictions to describe.
• Don't leave any required fields blank; incomplete applications will be returned.
• Don't forget to sign your application. Your signature must match the printed name.
• Don't send cash for the application fee; use a check or money order instead.
• Don't submit your application until you have sworn the oath and filed your bond, if applicable.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure that your application for a notary public commission in Michigan is processed without delays.

• Misconception 1: The Michigan 98 form can be submitted without an oath and bond.

In fact, applicants must first swear a constitutional oath of office and file a $10,000 surety bond with the county clerk before submitting the form to the Office of the Great Seal.

• Misconception 2: You can apply for a new notary commission anytime.

A notary public in Michigan cannot submit a new application for commission earlier than 60 days before their current commission expires.

• Misconception 3: Your commissioned name must match your full legal name.

The commissioned name can differ from the full name on your driver’s license. For example, Jane Marie Doe may choose to be known as Jane Doe or J. Doe.

• Misconception 4: A surety bond is required for all applicants.

Licensed attorneys in Michigan are exempt from filing a surety bond. They only need to provide their State Bar number on the application.

• Misconception 5: You can act as a notary public as soon as you submit your application.

Applicants must wait until they have completed all requirements, including filing the oath, bond, and fees, and receiving their commission information.

• Misconception 6: The application fee is refundable.

The $10 application fee is nonrefundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or denied.

• Misconception 7: You can provide any address on the application.

The residence address must match what is on file with the Michigan Department of State for your driver’s license or ID. Providing a different address will result in the application being returned.

• Misconception 8: You do not need to report changes in your name or address.

All changes must be reported to the Office of the Great Seal using the appropriate forms. Failure to do so can lead to complications with your commission.

• Misconception 9: The State of Michigan provides notary stamps or seals.

The state does not furnish or sell notary stamps or seals. Applicants must purchase these items from local office supply stores or printing shops.

When filling out and using the Michigan 98 form for a notary public commission, keep these key takeaways in mind:

• Complete All Fields: Ensure every section of the form is filled out completely. Incomplete applications will be returned.
• Follow the Oath and Bond Process: You must swear an oath and file a surety bond with the county clerk before submitting your application. This is a crucial step.
• Pay Attention to Fees: A nonrefundable application fee of $10.00 must accompany your application. Use a check or money order made out to the State of Michigan.
• Expect Processing Time: After submission, expect to receive your notary public commission card within 14 business days. Ensure your residence address matches what is on file with the Michigan Department of State.