Notary

Find notary public services and fees, or learn how to become a notary public.

Effective December 29, 2020, anyone needing the following services will need to make an appointment using the Olmsted County Online Check-in System. These services will not appear as options in the Olmsted County Online Check-in System until December 29.

A Minnesota Notary Public can only attest to the identity of a person signing a document and therefore cannot "notarize" or "certify" a document.

Why are documents notarized?

A Notary is an impartial (unbiased, neutral, uninvolved, nondiscriminatory) person who acts as a witness and verifies that signers of documents are who they say they are.

The Notary makes sure that the signers have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.

Notaries create a trustworthy environment where people can share important documents with full confidence that those documents are authentic.

Minnesota Notary Public can only attest to the identity of a person signing a document and therefore cannot certify the authenticity of a document.

Keep in mind

A U.S. Notary Public is NOT an attorney, judge, or high-ranking official. A U.S. Notary is not the same as a Notario Publico. For more information see the National Notary Association's article, "Important Differences Between Notaries and "Notarios."

1. Read all these steps first!

Because we are using physical distancing to help keep people safe, our process has changed.

Read the following instructions all the way through before you begin.

2. What we CANNOT Notarize

Note: We are unable to notarize and witness signatures on:

  • Deeds
  • Mortgage documents
  • Wills
  • USCIS For I-9

3. Gather your information

You will need to bring with you:

  • Your completed UNSIGNED document
  • Valid state-issued driver's license or state-issued identification card, or passport
  • Cost: the most up-to-date cost can be found in the document below.

4. Come to the Government Center

To minimize health risks, we ask that you bring no more than one guest along with you (and your guest should only be invited if necessary).

Come to:

Olmsted County Government Center
Vital Records and Licensing
151 4th Street South East
Rochester, MN 55904

Remember to bring the information you gathered and payment for any fees.

We accept credit cards. There is a 2.49% convenience fee for all credit card payments We also accept cash and personal checks made payable to Olmsted County Vital Records.

5. What to expect when you arrive

Follow the posted directions. They will tell you where to check-in. After you check-in, you will receive further instructions.

If you have questions, there will be staff available to direct you.

When it is your turn, you will be called to the desk.

Becoming a Notary

For information about becoming a notary, visit Minnesota Secretary of State.

Register Your Notary Commission

1. Gather your information

You will need:

  • Your signed Notary Public Commission that you received from Minnesota Secretary of State
  • Photocopy of your valid driver's license or state-issued identification card
  • Cost: the most up-to-date cost can be found in the document below.
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope

2. Submit your information

By Mail:

Mail your gathered information to:

Olmsted County Vital Records and Licensing
151 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904-3709

Your Notary Public Commission and receipt will be returned to you as registered in Olmsted County.

In-Person

Stop by our office:

Olmsted County Vital Records and Licensing
151 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

Fax

Fax your gathered information to:

Olmsted County Vital Records and Licensing
507-328-7965

Your Notary Public Commission and a receipt will be returned to you as registered in Olmsted County.