Notary Information

What is a notary public?

A notary public is a person licensed or commissioned by a state government. In Minnesota, the Secretary of State licenses notaries public.

What does a notary do?

A notary public verifies your identity and witnesses your signature on important documents. The most common function of a notary public is to prevent fraud.

What does it mean to have an application notarized?

You present your government-issued photo identification to the notary. The notary verifies your identification and watches you sign and date the application. Then, the notary marks the application with a stamp (or a "seal") and signs the application. The notary’s signature and stamp show that your signature matches your photo ID, and that you signed the application willingly. A notarized application helps vital records offices know that your signature is valid.

Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy of the information you put on your application.

Do I have to have my application notarized by a Minnesota notary?

No. Any notary public in any U.S. state may notarize your application.

Where can I find a notary public?

• If you live outside of Minnesota, search for “notary public” on the internet. Include the name of your state, for example "notary public Wisconsin".
• If you live in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Notary Public website.
• Mailbox shops, copy services, banks and some libraries often provide notary services to the public.
• Your place of employment may have notary public services.

Where can I find more information about notaries public?

Visit the Notary & Apostille website for more information. You can search for a notary by county or find out how to file a complaint against an individual notary.

If you live outside of Minnesota, see your state’s main government website.

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