Montana Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Montana is a certificate completed by a MT-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Montana 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.
Montana 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. Montana notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all MT notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
4 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Required
Journal
Montana Acknowledgment Wording
Montana law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Montana county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Montana Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Montana'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 _______________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on _______________, 20_____, by _______________.
___________________________
Notary Public for the State of Montana
Residing at _______________
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on _______________, 20_____, by _______________ as _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], on behalf of said entity.
___________________________
Notary Public for the State of Montana
Residing at _______________
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on _______________, 20_____, by _______________ and _______________.
___________________________
Notary Public for the State of Montana
Residing at _______________
My Commission Expires: _______________
Montana Notary Requirements
Montana 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: Montana notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $10,000 surety bond is required for Montana notaries
- Exam: A written exam is required to become a notary in Montana
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is mandatory and required by law in Montana
- Seal/Stamp: Montana notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Montana
Montana 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 Montana 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 MT law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Montana Notary Fees
Montana regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Montana.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Montana Identification Requirements
Montana notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Montana.
Sample Montana Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Montana-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact MT statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF MONTANA
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Montana
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]
Montana Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Montana, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Montana Resources
Use these official resources to verify Montana notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Montana Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Montana, or that require MT notarization.
Montana Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
Montana Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
Montana Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
Montana Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
Create your Montana Notary Acknowledgment in under 5 minutes.
Answer a few questions and download a Montana-compliant document, ready for the state agency.