The Secretary of State is responsible for the administration of the notary public program. Its oversight includes investigating complaints made against notaries.

FILING A COMPLAINT

To submit a complaint concerning a notary public, please provide the following information to the Secretary of State via fax (517-241-1820), email (disclosure@michigan.gov) or through the U.S. mail addressed to Michigan Department of State Office of the Great Seal, 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918:

• Your name, address and telephone number;
• A statement describing the basis for complaint (include your signature and date the complaint was signed); and
• The actual record that is the basis for the complaint or a copy, photocopy or other replica of the record along with any other supporting documents.

NOTE: The legality and validity of a document must be determined in a court of law. Notarization itself does not guarantee that a document is true, legal, valid or enforceable.

REMEDIAL ACTION

If the Secretary of State's investigation warrants action, the Secretary may take one or more of the following actions (usually after a hearing):

• Deny a person's application to become a notary
• Issue a letter of censure
• Require the individual to take affirmative action, including restitution to the injured person
• Suspend or revoke an existing notary appointment
• Impose a fine up to $1,000
• Require the notary to reimburse the costs of investigation
• Ask the Attorney General to petition a court for an injunction or restraining order
• Report the violations to the Attorney General and/or local prosecutor for prosecution

By law, the Secretary of State may automatically revoke a notary public's commission upon conviction of a felony or the conviction of misdemeanor offenses that involve violation of the Michigan Notary Public Act (3 or more offenses within a 5-year period or 2 offenses in a 12-month period).

In addition, notaries and their surety bond holders are liable in a civil action for damages sustained by the persons injured. To pursue legal action against a notary public, contact your own attorney, the local law enforcement agency or the prosecuting attorney's office in the county.