Montananotary public requirements & rules
Exam requiredMontana notary law basics: exam requirement, commission term, bond, and how to prepare — from the official commissioning authority.
- Written exam
- Exam required
- Administered by
- Montana Secretary of State (online Notary Portal exam)
- Commission term
- 4 years
- Surety bond
- $25,000 surety bond or functional equivalent, for the 4-year term
- Notes
- New and renewing applicants must complete at least 4 hours of approved training and pass the Montana Notary Exam before applying; 3 failed attempts requires a 3-month wait before retrying. This is one of the few states requiring both mandatory training and an exam.
Some Montana details were ambiguous on the official site when we researched this (July 2026) — double-check specifics with the commissioning authority before you rely on them.
Preparing to be a Montana notary
Montana requires a written exam, and PrepTempo's Notary course covers the notarial concepts it tests — notarial acts, identifying signers, journals and seals, and unauthorized practice of law. Study your Montana statute on top of the core.
Free notary practice questions →Montana notary public FAQ
Does Montana require a notary exam?
Yes. Montana requires a written notary exam (Montana Secretary of State (online Notary Portal exam)).
What are the Montana notary public rules for term and bond?
A Montana notary commission is typically 4 years. Surety bond requirement: $25,000 surety bond or functional equivalent, for the 4-year term. Confirm current amounts with the official Montana authority.
How do I become a notary public in Montana?
Follow Montana commissioning steps: complete any required training or exam (Exam required), obtain the required bond if applicable ($25,000 surety bond or functional equivalent, for the 4-year term), and apply through the official Montana commissioning office. PrepTempo's Notary course covers core notarial concepts for exam and practice readiness.
Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Montana commissioning authority. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state authority or the National Notary Association.