Michigan Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Michigan is a certificate completed by a MI-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Michigan law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Michigan notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Michigan notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all MI notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$10
Max fee per act
6 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
Michigan Acknowledgment Wording
Michigan law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Michigan county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Michigan Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Michigan's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, by _______________.
___________________________
Notary Public, _______________ County, Michigan
My Commission Expires: _______________
Acting in the County of _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, by _______________ as _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], on behalf of said entity.
___________________________
Notary Public, _______________ County, Michigan
My Commission Expires: _______________
Acting in the County of _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, by _______________ and _______________.
___________________________
Notary Public, _______________ County, Michigan
My Commission Expires: _______________
Acting in the County of _______________
Michigan Notary Requirements
Michigan has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Michigan notary commissions are valid for 6 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $10,000 surety bond is required for Michigan notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in Michigan
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in Michigan
- Seal/Stamp: Michigan notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $10 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Michigan
Michigan does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Michigan must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by MI law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Michigan Notary Fees
Michigan regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Michigan.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $10 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $10 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $10 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Michigan Identification Requirements
Michigan notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Michigan.
Sample Michigan Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Michigan-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact MI statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Michigan
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Michigan Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Michigan, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Michigan Resources
Use these official resources to verify Michigan notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Michigan Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Michigan, or that require MI notarization.
Michigan Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
Michigan Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
Michigan Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
Michigan Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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