File your commission Qualifications You must: Be a Hennepin County resident Have been approved and received your commission from the Minnesota Secretary of State Application process If you have an old notary public commission certificate (sample PDF); print and use this Certificate of filing notary commission (PDF) form. If you have a new notary public commission certificate (sample PDF); print and use this Certificate of filing notary commission (PDF) form. Place your notary public commission card face up in the designated area on the form (old commission placement sample PDF or new commission placement sample PDF). Make a copy of the form with your card on it. Sign the form (in front of notary) in the designated locations twice (1. Signature matching name on Notary commission certificate. 2. Normal signature) Have your signatures on the Notary commission filing form notarized. Submit form Include a self-addressed stamped #10 envelope for the return OR an additional $1.50 handling fee. Drop off Put your form and payment at one of our drop off locations. Mail in Mail your original copy with signatures and check to: Director of licensing – Vital records Hennepin County Government Center 300 S Sixth St, MC-026 Minneapolis, MN 55487-0026 Processing times Regular processing Orders will be processed in 2–3 weeks of receipt. Faster processing Orders will be processed in 5–7 business days of receipt You must include an additional $20 and write "Expedite" on the envelope If you cannot use a mail in or drop off, the in person application process is: Gather items listed above. Schedule an appointment. Order status If it's been over four (4) weeks since you ordered use our vital records order inquiry form. Fee $20 (Additional $1.50 if you don't include a self-addressed stamped #10 envelope) Payment options Additional information You must register and file your commission in your county-of-residence. When notarizing, your signature must be consistent with the one on file in Hennepin County. Request a commission card or login and print your certificate on the Minnesota Secretary of State Notary Public website.
Get a document notarized Getting a document notarized authenticates the signature of the person(s) signing the document. It does not guarantee the contents of the document. What do I need to know? Some documents can't be notarized by us. The following list are examples of documents we can not notarize: Last will and testament I-9 forms Birth, death, marriage certificate The person(s) whose signature is being notarized must: Not sign documents ahead of time Present a current photo ID (valid driver's license or state ID, etc.) Sign the document in front of the notary public Contact our office Review the requirements and schedule an appointment. Fee $5 per notarization Payment options
Notary certificate A notary certificate authenticates and validates a notary public's signature on a document. It is not the same as an apostille or commission certificate. What do I need to know? A notary certificate can only be issued if the notary commission filing was done in Hennepin County. You must present the document needing verification at the time of your request. Contact our office Review the requirements and schedule an appointment. Fee $5 per document Payment options