MI HB5811

Requires notary public applicants to submit handwritten signatures, personal information, criminal history disclosures, proof of citizenship or legal presence, and a $10 application processing fee, with $1 per fee deposited into the notary education and training fund.

Authorizes remote electronic notarization platforms beginning March 30, 2019, subject to approval by the Secretary of State and Department of Technology, Management, and Budget based on criteria including fraud prevention, record integrity, and alignment with national standards.

Requires notaries performing remote notarizations to maintain journals recording each act with date, time, nature, individual identification method, and fees charged, retained for at least 10 years, with option to designate a custodian.

Permits notaries to conduct remote notarizations through approved platforms if they verify identity through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, with disclosure and consent requirements for audio or visual recordings.

Limits notary public fees to $10 per notarial act plus agreed-upon travel fees, and allows county clerks to charge $10 for certifying notarial acts; effective September 30, 2018.