How Does Wisconsin Do Things Differently From Other States for Their Notaries?
The state of Wisconsin relies on notaries like all other states, but they administrate them differently. Their governor appoints the notaries to their four-year terms, but it is the Secretary of Financial Institutions (rather than the more traditional Secretary of State) who then regulates and maintains all of the records relating to notaries. If you are interested in becoming a notary in the state, you should begin with a visit to the Department of Financial Services website to obtain an application.
What you will discover there, though, is that
there are a few Wisconsin notary supplies required even before you apply. For example, like many other states, Wisconsin asks their notaries to supply certified evidence of a surety or notary bond along with the application. It must be in the amount of $500, and it has to accompany the application along with the appropriate fees before you receive a commission.Additionally, among your fundamental Wisconsin notary supplies is a bit of training. Though the state does not have any sort of educational process or examination, they do have a very helpful, free tutorial available, and you should count that as part of the list of essential Wisconsin notary supplies.
However, even when you obtain the surety bond and a bit of training, before you can submit the application and receive your four-year commission from the governor, there is one more item. It is probably the most important of your Wisconsin notary supplies - the official notary seal - and you must offer evidence of it before you can receive the commission.
According to the state guidelines, you must provide a copy of an engraved official seal or official rubber stamp PRIOR to completing the application. It is this seal or stamp that will appear on anything you notarize once you have received your commission.
The Duties of a Wisconsin State Notary Public
Notaries have a long list of duties they are allowed to perform. Described as notarial acts, most are completed with the use of the notary's seal.
The state has some specific guidelines for the design and overall appearance of these seals. They are:- It can be an embosser or rubber stamp
- There are no specific size criteria that you must follow
- It must feature your title written out as "Notary Public"
- The state name has to be written as "State of Wisconsin"
- It must feature the name you will use on your application, meaning it may have to include your full name, or whatever array of initials and surname you use for your application
What this also means is that, among your Wisconsin notary supplies, you may want to also obtain an official stamp that indicates: "My Commission expires" to keep your notarial acts tidy and professional in appearance. You can opt to have the date included in the stamp if you will update it whenever the commission is renewed. These are essential Wisconsin notary supplies if you want the work you do to be valid and also clear and legible. Otherwise, you will hand write your commission information.
Other Supplies You Might Need As a Wisconsin Notary
Is that all of the Wisconsin notary supplies required? If you look at the list of authorized duties for notaries in the state, you may want to add a record book or journal to your list of Wisconsin notary supplies. Though not required, it is allowable and even advisable to note the notarial acts performed. After all, notaries will:
- Execute protests
- Witness signatures
- Take acknowledgements
- Certify copies
- Administer oaths or affirmations
- Take depositions
- Take verifications upon oath
Having a tidy and organized journal among the Wisconsin notary supplies will help to keep track of all work done. Though there is the notary bond among the required Wisconsin notary supplies, in the event of liability, a formal record of work is also very helpful.
You will want to find a trusted and experienced supplier of Wisconsin notary supplies as you will need to obtain new stamps or seals and you do want only the sharpest and clearest seals available. Consider a good supplier as part of your list of essential Wisconsin notary supplies and you'll do the job professionally each time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Wisconsin notary supplies are required before applying for a notary commission?
Before you submit your Wisconsin notary application, you’ll need certified proof of a $500 surety bond, the appropriate application fee, and evidence of your official notary seal or rubber stamp. Wisconsin also recommends using the state’s free training tutorial as part of your preparation.
What information must be included on a Wisconsin notary stamp?
A Wisconsin notary stamp must include your name exactly as it appears on your application, the title “Notary Public,” and the words “State of Wisconsin.” You may use either an engraved seal or a rubber stamp, and there are no specific size requirements.
Is a notary journal required in Wisconsin?
A notary journal is not required in Wisconsin, but it is strongly recommended. Keeping a journal helps you track acknowledgments, oaths, signatures, verifications, and other notarial acts, which can be helpful for organization and liability protection.
Can I use a rubber stamp instead of an embosser for Wisconsin notary work?
Yes, Wisconsin allows either an embosser or a rubber stamp for your official notary seal. Many notaries prefer a rubber stamp because it creates a clear, legible impression on documents and is faster for frequent use.
Do Wisconsin notaries need to show proof of their seal before being commissioned?
Yes, Wisconsin requires you to provide proof of your official seal or stamp before your commission is issued. This means you should have your Wisconsin notary stamp or seal ready before completing the application process.
How do I choose the best Wisconsin notary supplies for compliance and durability?
Choose Wisconsin notary supplies that meet state requirements, produce clear impressions, and hold up to regular use. Look for a trusted supplier, verify that the stamp matches Wisconsin formatting rules, and consider adding a commission expiration stamp and journal for a more professional workflow.
