Free Michigan 98 Template

Michigan 98 - Usage Steps

Filling out the Michigan 98 Form is a crucial step towards becoming a notary public in the state of Michigan. This process involves providing accurate and up-to-date personal information, meeting specific legal requirements, and submitting an application fee. It’s important for applicants to follow the instructions carefully to ensure their application is processed smoothly. Upon successful submission and processing of your application, you will receive your notary commission, granting you the authority to perform notarial acts within Michigan. The following steps will guide you through filling out the form accurately.

1. Start by entering your full name as it appears on your state driver's license or ID card in the space provided.
2. If you have any previous or alias names, indicate them in the designated section. If not applicable, check the N/A box.
3. Provide your driver’s license or personal identification card number along with the issuing state.
4. Enter your current residence address, including city, state, and zip code. Make sure this matches the address on your license or ID card. Include any PO boxes, lot, and apartment numbers if applicable.
5. Fill in your date of birth in the specified format.
6. Include your email address. If you do not have an email address, check the N/A box.
7. If you have a business street address, enter it along with the city, state, and zip code. If not applicable, check the N/A box.
8. For licensed attorneys in Michigan, enter your State Bar number. If you are not a licensed attorney, check the N/a box.
9. Indicate whether you are a Michigan resident or a non-Michigan resident but employed in Michigan by providing the appropriate county name.
10. Provide your residence and business telephone numbers if available. If not, check the N/A box for each.
11. Describe any felony or misdemeanor convictions during the previous ten years in any state. If none, check the N/A box. Attach additional pages if necessary.
12. Answer whether you currently hold or have ever held a notary public commission in Michigan or any other state. Provide details if applicable.
13. Indicate if you have ever had a notary public appointment revoked, suspended, or cancelled. If not applicable, check the corresponding box. If yes, provide explanations and attach additional pages if necessary.
14. Affirm that you meet all the eligibility criteria listed, including age, residency, ability to read and write in English, and lack of certain criminal convictions.
15. Sign the application, ensuring that your signature matches the name you wish to use on all notarized documents.
16. Enclose a $10.00 check or money order payable to the State of Michigan for the nonrefundable application processing fee.

After properly filling out the form and preparing your fee, take the next steps to finalize your application. This involves swearing a constitutional oath of office, filing a $10,000.00 surety bond, and paying a $10.00 filing fee at your local county clerk’s office. These requirements must be completed within 90 days from when the oath is administered. Following these steps, mail your application and fee to the Michigan Department of State Office of the Great Seal for processing. Upon approval, your notary public commission card will be mailed to you. Remember, the accuracy of the information you provide is critical for the successful processing of your application.

Filling out the Michigan 98 form for a Notary Public Commission requires attention to detail. Common mistakes can delay or even prevent the application from being processed. Here are some errors to avoid:

1. Incorrect or mismatched name: The full name entered on the form must match exactly with the name on the applicant's State driver's license or ID card. This includes any middle names or initials.
2. Neglecting previous or alias names: Failure to indicate previous names or aliases, if any, can lead to issues in verifying the applicant's identity. If none, the applicant must remember to check the N/A box.
3. Driver's license or ID card inaccuracies: Incorrectly entering the driver's license or personal identification card number, or forgetting to include the issuing state, is a common error.
5. Notably, the residence address, including any PO boxes, lot, and Apt numbers, must match what the Department of State has on file. Any discrepancies can cause delays.
6. Omitting email address: Even if an applicant does not have an email address, they must check the N/A box rather than leaving the field blank.
7. Incomplete business address: If applicable, the business street address must be filled in completely, including city, state, and zip. If not, the N/A box should be checked.
8. Failure to disclose legal status: Applicants must certify their eligibility, including being 18 years of age or older, a Michigan resident or maintaining a principal place of business in Michigan, and not being incarcerated, among others. Overlooking any of these certifications can invalidate the application.
9. Incorrect commission name: The commissioned name may differ from the full legal name but must be consistent across all documents. Ensuring consistency is crucial.
10. Signature discrepancies: The signature on the application must match the commissioned name and the applicant's identification. Inconsistencies here are a frequent issue.
11. Failing to submit within the required timeframe: The completed application, along with the oath, bond (if applicable), and the $10.00 fee, must be submitted within 90 days of filing with the county clerk. Missing this deadline means starting the process over.

Avoiding these mistakes can streamline the application process, facilitating a smoother path to achieving or renewing a Notary Public Commission in Michigan. Applicants should review their applications for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to the stated requirements before submission. Additionally, being mindful of the timeframe for submission post-oath and bond filing is crucial for compliance with Michigan's regulations.

When applying for a Michigan Notary Public Commission, applicants might find it necessary to gather and submit additional forms and documents to successfully complete their application process. Understanding these documents and their functions can streamline the experience, ensuring a smoother path to becoming a notary public.

• Michigan Change of Address/Voter Registration Form: This is essential for applicants who have recently moved and need to update their address with the Michigan Department of State. It ensures the correct address is on file, aligning with the requirement for the notary public commission application.
• Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change Form: If a notary public needs to report a change of name or address after their commission has been issued, this form is required to update their records with the Office of the Great Seal.
• Notary Public Bond: A $10,000.00 surety bond must be filed with the county clerk. This serves as a financial guarantee that the notary will perform their duties ethically and according to law. Insurance agents or licensed surety agencies can provide this bond.
• Oath of Office: This is an affirmation that the notary applicant will faithfully execute the duties of a notary public according to law. The oath is administered by the county clerk.
• Proof of Legal Presence or U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must provide documentation proving they are either a U.S. citizen or legally present in the United States, aligning with eligibility requirements for the notary public commission.
• Certificate of Good Standing (for attorneys): Licensed attorneys in Michigan who are applying for a notary public commission and wish to be exempt from the surety bond requirement must provide a Certificate of Good Standing from the State Bar of Michigan.
• Filing Fee Receipt: A receipt for the nonrefundable filing fee paid to the county clerk must accompany the notary public commission application when it is mailed to the Office of the Great Seal.

Each document plays a crucial role in the application process, either providing the necessary proof of eligibility, ensuring legal compliance, or updating essential personal information. It is important for applicants to carefully gather and review these documents to ensure their application is complete and accurate. Handling these requirements attentively will facilitate a more efficient processing time and move applicants closer to achieving their goal of becoming a notary public in Michigan.

The Michigan 98 form, used for applying for a Notary Public Commission in Michigan, shares similarities with other legal documents that involve state certification and personal declaration. Understanding these similarities can help applicants comprehend the broader context of legal paperwork and the serious commitment entailed in these documents.

Similar to the Application for Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765): The Application for Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765) used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) bears resemblance to the Michigan 98 form in several ways. Both forms require comprehensive personal information, including full name, address, and identification details like a driver's license or ID card number. Moreover, each form mandates declarations concerning legal status — in the case of the I-765, it pertains to immigration status, whereas the Michigan 98 form focuses on legal eligibility for notary public commissioning. They similarly require applicants to certify the truthfulness and completeness of the provided information under penalty of perjury.

Similar to the Application for a Professional License: Most state applications for professional licenses, such as those for attorneys, doctors, and real estate brokers, share foundational similarities with the Michigan 98 form. These applications necessitate detailed personal information, proof of eligibility, and often a section for disclosing any past criminal convictions. Both types of applications demand a sworn statement attesting to the accuracy of information provided and the understanding of professional obligations. Additionally, professional license applications and the Michigan 98 form include instructions on fee submissions and the required steps following the application submission, highlighting the procedural parallels between obtaining a professional license and a notary public commission.

Similar to the Voter Registration Application: The Voter Registration Application in many states requires applicants to provide personal identification details similar to those on the Michigan 98 form, such as full name, residence address, and date of birth. Both documents serve as an affirmation of the applicant's eligibility under the law — for voting or notary services, respectively — and include penalties for false statements. Although serving distinctly different functions, both applications play crucial roles in the civic engagement and legal documentation processes within their respective scopes.

Filling out the Michigan 98 form, an Application for Michigan Notary Public Commission, requires attention to detail to ensure accurate and timely processing. Here are practical dos and don’ts to guide you through the submission process effectively.

• Do ensure every field is completed. Leaving a section blank can result in the return of your application.
• Do print legibly or type your information to prevent any misunderstandings or processing delays.
• Do double-check your personal information, such as your full name and address, to ensure it matches the information on your state driver’s license or ID card.
• Do accurately disclose any previous felony or misdemeanor convictions by providing the date and circumstances. Attach additional pages if necessary.
• Do include a check or money order for the nonrefundable $10 application processing fee, payable to the State of Michigan.
• Don’t send cash with your application. Only a check or money order is accepted.
• Don’t apply for a new commission more than 60 days before your current commission’s expiration if you are already commissioned in the State of Michigan.
• Don’t overlook the requirement to swear a constitutional oath of office, file a $10,000.00 surety bond (if required), and pay a $10.00 filing fee with the county clerk before sending the application to the Office of the Great Seal.
• Don’t use a residence or business address on the application that does not match what is on file with the Michigan Department of State for your driver’s license or personal identification card. If there’s a discrepancy, your application will be returned.
• Don’t forget to sign your name exactly as it will appear on all documents you notarize. This ensures consistency and prevents issues in your notarial acts.

When handled with care, completing the Michigan 98 form can be a straightforward process. Following these guidelines closely will not only streamline your application but also set the stage for your responsibilities as a notary public in Michigan.

Understanding the Michigan 98 form for notary public commission can be a bit confusing due to several common misconceptions. Here's a clear breakdown to help clarify these misunderstandings.

• Misconception 1:

  "All information on my application is private." While applicants might think their submitted details are confidential, the application clearly states that all information provided is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. This means your submitted details can be made publicly available upon request.

• Misconception 2:

  "I can submit my application for a new commission anytime." Actually, current notaries cannot submit a new application more than 60 days before their current commission expires. This is designed to prevent overlapping commissions and ensures that all notaries are properly vetted before being granted an extension of their commission.

• Misconception 3:

  "The commissioned name and legal name can be entirely different." While there is some flexibility, the name under which you are commissioned must relate to your legal name as it appears on your driver’s license or state ID. This rule is to maintain consistency and avoid confusion in the verification of your identity as a notary.

• Misconception 4:

  "I don’t need a surety bond if I’m an attorney." This statement is actually true. Licensed attorneys in Michigan do not need to post a surety bond; however, they must provide their State Bar number on the application. This is one of the specific exceptions made for legal professionals in the state.

• Misconception 5:

  "The commission process is complete once I submit my form to the Office of the Great Seal." In reality, the process involves several steps, including swearing an oath, posting a bond (unless you're an attorney), and paying a fee at your local county clerk's office before submitting your application to the Office of the Great Seal. Your application and commission are only valid after these steps are completed.

• Misconception 6:

  "The state will provide me with a notary stamp or seal." The State of Michigan does not provide notary public stamps or seals, nor does it sell them. It's the responsibility of the notary to acquire these from a vendor. Michigan law does not require the use of a stamp or seal, leaving it up to the notary's discretion.

• Misconception 7:

  "I can use any address on my application." The residence address you provide must match the address on file with the Michigan Department of State for your driver’s license or personal identification card. If different, your application will be returned, and you'll be asked to update your records. This requirement ensures that communication and legal documents are accurately routed.

Correcting these misconceptions helps ensure that the journey to becoming a notary public in Michigan is smooth, and that all legal requirements and processes are properly followed.

For those interested in becoming a notary public in Michigan or renewing their commission, it's essential to understand the process and requirements. Here are four key takeaways from the Michigan 98 form that you should keep in mind:

• Before mailing your application to the Office of the Great Seal, you must complete several prerequisites, including taking an oath of office, filing a $10,000 surety bond, and paying a $10 filing fee at your local county clerk's office. This step ensures that applicants commit to upholding the integrity and duties of a notary public.
• The name you choose to be commissioned under can vary from what appears on your state identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID card. This flexibility allows applicants to use variations of their name for notarial acts, provided it remains consistent and is the name under which they will notarize documents.
• To process your application successfully, your residential address on the form must match the one on file with the Michigan Department of State for your driver's license or ID. Any discrepancy can lead to the return of your application, potentially delaying your commission. This requirement helps maintain accurate and current records for all active notaries in the state.
• A non-refundable application processing fee of $10 must accompany your application when it is mailed to the Office of the Great Seal. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing your application and is standard for all applicants. Remember, the correct handling and submission of your fee is crucial for the timely processing of your application.

Understanding these key points can streamline the process of applying for or renewing your notary public commission in Michigan. Always ensure that your information is accurate and complete before submission to avoid unnecessary delays. Additionally, staying informed about the regulations can help you fulfill your duties as a notary public confidently and competently.