Journal Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota does not require a notary journal for traditional in-person paper notarizations. Minnesota Statutes §358.41 et seq. (the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts as adopted in Minnesota, effective January 1, 2019) governs Minnesota notaries. For remote online notarizations, Minnesota requires an electronic journal and audio-visual recording with a 10-year retention period. Minnesota's RULONA adoption was comprehensive and aligns closely with the national model act, making Minnesota's notary requirements relatively straightforward for agents familiar with the RULONA framework. Minnesota's 5-year commission term and no-bond requirement make it moderately favorable for new signing agents from a startup cost perspective.
Minnesota Notary Commission Quick Facts
| Element | Minnesota Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing authority | sos.state.mn.us |
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Bond required | No bond required |
| Exam/training | No exam required |
| Journal (paper notarizations) | Not required — recommended |
| Journal (electronic/RON) | Required — 10 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Minnesota requires that the notary's seal or stamp include the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public,' 'Minnesota,' and the commission expiration date. The expiration date on the seal must be current — using a seal after the commission has expired is a notarial violation regardless of whether the underlying act was otherwise proper.
The Twin Cities metro area (Minneapolis–Saint Paul) accounts for the majority of Minnesota loan signing volume. Secondary markets include Rochester (driven by the Mayo Clinic medical community), Duluth, and St. Cloud. The Minnesota real estate market is significantly seasonal — signing volume tends to concentrate in spring and summer months, with slower periods in deep winter. Signing agents in Minnesota often supplement with general notary work during slow real estate seasons.
Yes. A journal provides contemporaneous documentation of every notarial act. In the event of a fraud allegation, a dispute about whether a document was signed, or a complaint to the Secretary of State, your journal is your primary defense. Professional signing agents in Minnesota maintain journals as standard practice regardless of the legal mandate.
Standard government-issued photo identification is accepted: state driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, and permanent resident card. Always verify current Minnesota statutes for any state-specific variations. When in doubt, require documentary ID rather than relying on personal knowledge of the signer.
Minnesota does not have a separate state-issued notary signing agent certification. The notary commission is the legal credential. Most signing services and title companies operating in Minnesota require NNA certification, a current background check, and E&O insurance at $100,000 or more as vendor requirements.