Montana Notary Public Handbook
This handbook has been prepared by the office of the Secretary of State for current and prospective notaries public in the State of Montana to provide information on how to become a notary public and to help them better understand the powers and duties of that office. If you have questions that this booklet does not answer, you may call the Secretary of State’s Notary Section at (406) 444-5379 or (406) 444-1877.
Any statements by the office of the Secretary of State regarding notaries or notarial acts are not intended as legal advice and should not be construed as such. If you have specific legal questions regarding your acts or conduct as a notary, the Secretary of State’s office urges you to seek professional legal advice.
A MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Dear Fellow Montanan:
Congratulations and thank you for your interest in serving Montana’s citizens as a notary public. By taking on these responsibilities, you will be the State’s objective witness to the acknowledgements, oaths, and signatures on a variety of documents. As with any public officer, your integrity and conscientious adherence to the duties and responsibilities of your office are expected at all times.
This handbook is designed to be a resource for you to refer to in the performance of your notarial actions. Please study it to familiarize yourself with its contents and format. If a situation arises that seems not to be addressed in these pages, the notary compliance staff in my office is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to provide whatever assistance you might need. The phone numbers and other contact information can be found on the front cover of this book.
The information in this edition is current as of the end of the 2005 Legislative Session. However, the rules which apply to notaries are subject to additions, deletions, and/or changes by future legislation or administrative rule. It is your responsibility to keep informed of any changes that will impact you. Such information will be posted on our website, www.sos.mt.gov/notary, along with other information which you may find helpful. We encourage you to visit the site regularly.
Again, my thanks for your willingness to serve as a Montana Notary Public. Your participation in public service unites each of us for the benefit of our fellow citizens.
Sincerely,
Brad Johnson
Secretary of State
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