Key Takeaways
- Must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Must be a Montana resident OR meet alternative business/employment requirements
- Military spouses and dependents stationed in Montana qualify
- Must be able to read and write English
- Cannot hold more than one Montana notary commission at a time
Last updated: January 2026
Eligibility Requirements for Montana Notaries
Under Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 1-5-619, applicants must meet specific qualifications to become a notary public.
Basic Qualifications
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident |
| Language | Able to read and write English |
| Multiple Commissions | Cannot hold more than one MT notary commission |
Residency Requirements
Montana offers flexible residency options. You must meet one of these:
| Option | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Montana Resident | Primary residence in Montana |
| Military Spouse/Dependent | Spouse or legal dependent of active duty military stationed in MT |
| Business Owner | Maintain a registered MT place of business (Title 35) meeting local licensing requirements |
| Employee | Regularly employed at an MT office by an employer registered/licensed to do business in MT |
| Professional License | Hold a current MT professional license issued by appropriate MT authority |
Disqualifications (MCA 1-5-621)
The Secretary of State may deny a commission if the applicant:
- Has a pending felony conviction or crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit
- Made fraudulent statements in the application
- Had a notary commission denied, revoked, or suspended in another state
- Lacks honesty, integrity, competence, or reliability to serve
Important: A criminal conviction is not an automatic bar if full rights have been restored.
On the Exam
- Know all residency alternatives (not just "Montana resident")
- Understand disqualification grounds
- Remember: 18 years old minimum, must read/write English
Test Your Knowledge
Which of the following is NOT an acceptable alternative to Montana residency for notary eligibility?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Can a person with a past felony conviction become a Montana notary?
A
B
C
D