Montana notary requirements
Responsible office: Montana Secretary of State.
State authorization and ONC account setup are separate. The guidance below covers the named requirements; use the linked official instructions for your application and the particular notarial act.
Register technology and complete education
Select qualifying technology, complete an approved technology course and examination, and submit the Notary Public Information Update with completion evidence. Check the state’s current provider approvals before using a system.
Use the correct document method
IPEN uses electronic signatures with physical presence. RON uses electronic records and live audio-video appearance. Remote tangible-document notarization requires the actual signed paper delivered to the notary, wet signatures and an ink seal; the guidance limits that method to acknowledgments.
Identity and records
The guidance recognizes personal knowledge, qualifying credible witnesses and multi-factor technology methods. Record the remote act, keep the required separate journal entry, and retain sole possession of the recording or use an approved repository. Apply the current statutory retention rules.
Location, documents and acceptance
The notary must be in Montana for IPEN and remote acts. Use the appropriate certificate for a U.S.-located or foreign-located signer under MCA §1-5-610 and check document and recipient requirements.
A signer’s residence does not by itself determine a notary’s authority. An eligible out-of-state notary’s service is a separate question from a locally commissioned notary’s authority. Ask the document recipient about acceptance, witnesses, originals and recording requirements before scheduling.