The bill amends the Michigan law on notarial acts by updating the qualifications and application process for notary public appointments. Key changes include the appointment of "an individual" instead of just "an individual" and specifying that applicants must be "not less than 18 years of age." The bill also clarifies that applicants who do not reside in Michigan must demonstrate that 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 introduces a requirement for the secretary to issue a notary public identification number to appointed individuals.

Further amendments to the application process include the requirement for applicants to provide their email address instead of "electronic mail" and to affirm that they will perform their notarial acts faithfully. The bill also allows for the development of an electronic application and payment process while maintaining the existing requirements for applications submitted electronically. The secretary is empowered to check the criminal background of applicants using law enforcement resources to ensure they meet the qualifications for appointment.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 55.271, 55.275