Wisconsin Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Wisconsin is a certificate completed by a WI-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin 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. Wisconsin notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all WI notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
4 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
Wisconsin Acknowledgment Wording
Wisconsin law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Wisconsin county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Wisconsin Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Wisconsin'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 _______________
Personally came before me this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, the above-named _______________, to me known to be the person who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged the same.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Wisconsin
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
Personally came before me this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, the above-named _______________, to me known to be the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and acknowledged that he/she executed the foregoing instrument as such officer on behalf of said entity.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Wisconsin
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
Personally came before me this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, the above-named _______________ and _______________, to me known to be the persons who executed the foregoing instrument and each acknowledged the same.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Wisconsin
My Commission Expires: _______________
Wisconsin Notary Requirements
Wisconsin 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: Wisconsin notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $500 surety bond is required for Wisconsin notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in Wisconsin
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in Wisconsin
- Seal/Stamp: Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 WI law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Wisconsin Notary Fees
Wisconsin regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Wisconsin.
| 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) |
Wisconsin Identification Requirements
Wisconsin notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Wisconsin.
Sample Wisconsin Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Wisconsin-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact WI statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF WISCONSIN
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Wisconsin
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]
Wisconsin Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Wisconsin, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Wisconsin Resources
Use these official resources to verify Wisconsin notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Wisconsin Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Wisconsin, or that require WI notarization.
Wisconsin Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
Wisconsin Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
Wisconsin Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
Wisconsin Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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