The bill amends the Michigan law on notarial acts, specifically sections 11 and 15 of 2003 PA 238. It introduces several changes to the qualifications and application process for notary public appointments. Notably, the bill specifies that the secretary may appoint an individual as a notary public who is not less than 18 years of age, a resident of Michigan or has a principal place of business in the state, and can read and write in English. It also clarifies that applicants must demonstrate their principal place of business is in the county where they seek appointment and that they are likely to perform notarial acts related to that business. Additionally, the bill mandates that the secretary issue a notary public identification number to appointed individuals.

In the application process, the bill requires applicants to provide their name, addresses, contact numbers, and email address, along with their driver license or state ID number. It also includes a statement regarding any previous notary applications and any felony or misdemeanor convictions within the last ten years. The application must be accompanied by a $10 processing fee, with a portion allocated to a notary education and training fund. The secretary is authorized to verify the qualifications of applicants through criminal background checks and is responsible for mailing the certificate of appointment, which will now include the individual's notary public identification number. The bill also allows for the development of an electronic application and payment process.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 55.271, 55.275