Blank Michigan 98 Form

1. What is the Michigan 98 form?

   The Michigan 98 form is an application for a notary public commission in the state of Michigan. It must be completed accurately and submitted to the local county clerk’s office before mailing it to the Office of the Great Seal. This form collects essential information about the applicant, including their personal details, residency, and any prior notary commissions.

2. What information do I need to provide on the form?

   You will need to provide various details such as:

   • Your full name, which must match your driver's license or ID.
   • Any previous or alias names.
   • Your driver's license or ID number and issuing state.
   • Your residence and business addresses.
   • Your date of birth and email address.
   • Information about any felony or misdemeanor convictions in the last ten years.
   • Details about any previous notary commissions held.

3. What are the filing requirements for the Michigan 98 form?

   Before mailing the form, you must complete the following steps:

   • Swear a constitutional oath of office.
   • File a $10,000 surety bond, unless you are a licensed attorney.
   • Pay a nonrefundable $10 filing fee to the county clerk.

   Make sure to complete these steps at your local county clerk’s office first.

4. How do I submit the application?

   After completing the oath, bond, and paying the fee, mail your application to:

   Michigan Department of State
   Office of the Great Seal
   7064 Crowner Drive
   Lansing, MI 48918

   Include a check or money order for $10 made out to the State of Michigan. Do not send cash.

5. How long does it take to receive my commission?

   Once your application is processed, you can expect to receive your notary public commission card within 14 business days. This card will be mailed to the residence address you provided on your application.

6. What if my address changes after I submit my application?

   If you change your name or address, you must report this to the Office of the Great Seal using the Michigan Notary Public Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change form. Ensure that your new information matches what is on file with the Michigan Department of State.

7. Where can I get a notary stamp or seal?

   You will need to contact a local office supply store or printing shop to purchase a notary stamp or seal. The State of Michigan does not provide these items, nor do they endorse any specific vendors.

Filling out the Michigan 98 form is a crucial step in becoming a notary public in the state of Michigan. However, many applicants make common mistakes that can lead to delays or even rejection of their application. Understanding these pitfalls can save time and ensure a smoother process.

One frequent mistake is failing to match the full name exactly as it appears on the applicant's driver’s license or ID card. This includes first, middle, and last names. If there are discrepancies, the application may be returned. Always double-check this detail to avoid unnecessary complications.

Another common error involves the residence address. It is essential that the address provided matches what is on file with the Michigan Department of State. This means including all relevant details, such as apartment numbers and PO boxes. Omitting these details can result in the application being sent back.

Some applicants neglect to complete all fields on the form. Every section must be filled out, even if the answer is "N/A." Leaving any field blank can trigger a return of the application. It’s a simple step that can easily be overlooked but is vital for processing.

Providing incorrect or outdated contact information is another mistake. Applicants should ensure that their email and phone numbers are current. If the Office of the Great Seal needs to reach out for clarification or additional information, having accurate contact details is crucial.

Finally, many people forget to include the required payment with their application. The fee of $10.00 must accompany the form, and it should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the State of Michigan. Submitting the application without this payment will lead to delays in processing.

By avoiding these common mistakes, applicants can streamline their experience and increase the likelihood of a successful application for their notary public commission in Michigan.

The Michigan 98 form is essential for anyone seeking to become a notary public in Michigan. However, several other documents are often needed in conjunction with this application. Each plays a vital role in the process of becoming a notary and ensuring compliance with state laws.

• Oath of Office: This document is a sworn statement affirming the notary's commitment to uphold the duties of the position. It must be administered by a qualified official, such as a county clerk.
• Surety Bond: A $10,000 bond is required to protect the public from potential errors or misconduct by the notary. This bond must be filed with the county clerk before submitting the application.
• Application Fee Payment: A nonrefundable fee of $10 must accompany the application. This payment is typically made via check or money order payable to the State of Michigan.
• State Bar Number (if applicable): Licensed attorneys in Michigan must provide their State Bar number in place of the surety bond. This verifies their legal standing and exemption from the bond requirement.
• Notary Public Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change: This form is used for notifying the Office of the Great Seal about any changes in the notary's name or address after they have been commissioned.
• Proof of Legal Presence: Notaries must provide documentation confirming their U.S. citizenship or legal residency. This ensures that only eligible individuals are appointed as notaries.
• Identification Documents: A valid Michigan driver’s license or personal identification card must be submitted to verify identity and residency. This document must match the information provided on the application.
• Notary Public Stamp/Seal: While not required by the state, many notaries choose to obtain a stamp or seal to authenticate documents. This item can be purchased from local office supply stores.

Understanding these documents is crucial for anyone looking to become a notary public in Michigan. Each one contributes to the overall integrity of the notarial process and ensures compliance with state regulations.

The Michigan 98 form is an application for a notary public commission. It has similarities to several other documents used in various legal and administrative contexts. Below are four documents that share common elements with the Michigan 98 form:

• Notary Public Application Form (State-Specific): Like the Michigan 98 form, other states have their own notary public application forms that require personal information, proof of residency, and an affirmation of eligibility. Each form typically includes sections for the applicant's name, address, and relevant identification numbers.
• Oath of Office Form: This document is often required for various public office positions, including notaries. Similar to the Michigan 98, the Oath of Office form requires the individual to affirm their commitment to uphold the law and perform their duties faithfully.
• Surety Bond Application: A surety bond application is necessary for notaries in many states, including Michigan. This document is similar to the Michigan 98 form in that it collects personal information and may require proof of eligibility, ensuring that the applicant is trustworthy and meets specific criteria.
• Professional License Application: Many professions require a licensing application that includes personal information, proof of qualifications, and an affirmation of ethical conduct. Like the Michigan 98 form, these applications often necessitate the submission of fees and verification of background information.

When filling out the Michigan 98 form, it is essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do print legibly or type your application to avoid any misinterpretation of your information.
• Do ensure that your full name matches exactly with your state driver’s license or ID card.
• Do provide your complete residence address, including any PO boxes or apartment numbers.
• Do check the box for "N/A" if you do not have previous or alias names.
• Do include your email address or check "N/A" if you do not have one.

• Don't leave any fields blank; all sections must be completed, or your application will be returned.
• Don't forget to include your check or money order for the nonrefundable application fee of $10.00.
• Don't submit your application without first swearing the oath and filing your bond with the county clerk, if applicable.
• Don't use a different residence address than what is on file with the Michigan Department of State; discrepancies will lead to delays.

Here are some common misconceptions about the Michigan 98 form, along with clarifications for each:

• Misconception 1: You can submit the form without the oath and bond.

This is incorrect. You must swear an oath and file a bond before submitting the application to the Office of the Great Seal.

• Misconception 2: The application can be mailed directly to the Office of the Great Seal.

Actually, the application must first be processed at your local county clerk’s office before mailing it.

• Misconception 3: You don’t need to provide a driver’s license number if you have another form of ID.

Your full name must match your state driver’s license or ID card, and the license number is required.

• Misconception 4: A notary public can act before receiving their commission card.

This is not true. You cannot act as a notary public until you have received your commission information.

• Misconception 5: You can change your name or address after submitting the application without notifying anyone.

All changes must be reported to the Office of the Great Seal using the proper forms.

• Misconception 6: The $10 application fee is refundable.

In fact, the application processing fee is nonrefundable, so be sure to consider this before applying.

• Misconception 7: Any address can be used for your residence on the application.

Your residence address must match what is on file with the Michigan Department of State for your ID.

• Misconception 8: You can use a cash payment for the application fee.

Cash is not accepted. You must send a check or money order made out to the State of Michigan.

Key Takeaways for Filling Out and Using the Michigan 98 Form:

• Ensure all fields are completed accurately. Incomplete applications will be returned, delaying your notary commission.
• Submit your application within 90 days after swearing your oath and filing your bond with the county clerk. Timeliness is crucial.
• Remember to include a nonrefundable fee of $10.00. This must be paid via check or money order made out to the State of Michigan.
• Keep your residence address consistent with what is on file with the Michigan Department of State. Discrepancies will result in your application being returned.