NOVEMBER 12, 2004

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today unveiled two tools to ensure the authenticity of notary public commissions and protect Michigan’s business environment against fraud.

First, Land announced the online listing of Michigan’s more than 130,000 notaries public. The searchable database can be accessed through the Secretary of State Web site, www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Second, Land said the format of the notary certificates of commission have been changed to a size more convenient for the customers. The new certificates can be easily carried by notaries in a wallet or purse as proof of their commissions and are less costly to produce and mail. Together, these improvements aid in attesting to the legitimacy of a notary’s commission, which further enhances the validity of important documents.

"Establishing the identity of those who sign documents is a fundamental requirement of the notary," Land said. "These improvements provide a double-check. We’ve enhanced the signer’s ability to ensure that a Michigan notary public's commission is valid, and added another level of protection against document fraud."

The new database and certificates of commission complete the update of Michigan’s notary processes, one of the Land administration’s early goals. By working with lawmakers and county clerks, Land spearheaded the passage of the Michigan Notary Public Act (PA 238 of 2003). The Act is considered the most comprehensive change in Michigan notary law since it was first enacted in 1846.

The names of all active Michigan notaries public will be included in the online list along with the dates and county of commission. Searches may be done by name or by county of commission. The list will not be purged when a notary’s commission expires. This will eventually create an archive so that the legitimacy of notarizations on older documents can be checked.

The new, credit card-sized certificates of commission will be issued to new notaries, and to those who reapply, or apply for a duplicate certificate. There is a $10 fee for a duplicate certificate.

A notary public is an officer appointed by the Michigan Secretary of State to attest to the authenticity of a person's signature, to administer oaths, and to witness acknowledgements. Notarization on a document certifies that the person named on it appeared before the notary, displayed valid identification, and signed the document in the physical presence of the notary.

For more information on the Michigan Notary Public Act, visit the Secretary of State Web site, www.Michigan.gov/sos.

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