Wisconsin (WI)
Automated Lookup
Operational
Research Wisconsin notary commissions. NotaVeri can automatically cross-reference Wisconsin notary details against the official state database.
Visit Wisconsin Official Notary Database
How to Research a Wisconsin Notary
1. Go to https://apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/notarysearch/SearchCriteria.aspx
2. Enter the notary's last name (and optionally first name).
3. Click Search and review the results.
4. Verify the commission dates and expiration date match.
5. Check the 'Include Inactive Notary Commissions' box to search expired commissions.
Contact: Wisconsin DFI at (608) 266-8915 or DFINotary@dfi.wisconsin.gov
2. Enter the notary's last name (and optionally first name).
3. Click Search and review the results.
4. Verify the commission dates and expiration date match.
5. Check the 'Include Inactive Notary Commissions' box to search expired commissions.
Contact: Wisconsin DFI at (608) 266-8915 or DFINotary@dfi.wisconsin.gov
How to Verify a Wisconsin Notary's Signature
Wisconsin notaries file their oath of office with the register of deeds in the county where they reside. The signature specimen is maintained by the county register of deeds.
To verify a notary's signature:
1. Identify the notary's county of residence (this may appear on the notarial certificate or seal).
2. Contact the register of deeds in that county and request to compare the document signature against the notary's oath signature on file.
3. The DFI at (608) 266-8915 can confirm whether a person holds or held a valid commission.
Reference: Wis. Stat. 140.02
To verify a notary's signature:
1. Identify the notary's county of residence (this may appear on the notarial certificate or seal).
2. Contact the register of deeds in that county and request to compare the document signature against the notary's oath signature on file.
3. The DFI at (608) 266-8915 can confirm whether a person holds or held a valid commission.
Reference: Wis. Stat. 140.02
Verifying Older Wisconsin Documents
The Wisconsin DFI notary search can include inactive commissions when the 'Include Inactive Notary Commissions' checkbox is selected.
1. Search the DFI notary database with the inactive checkbox checked.
2. If not found online, contact the DFI at (608) 266-8915 for historical commission records.
3. The county register of deeds where the notary filed their oath may also have historical records.
Commission term: 4 years.
1. Search the DFI notary database with the inactive checkbox checked.
2. If not found online, contact the DFI at (608) 266-8915 for historical commission records.
3. The county register of deeds where the notary filed their oath may also have historical records.
Commission term: 4 years.
Wisconsin Notary Stamp/Seal Requirements
Wisconsin requires every notary to use an official seal or rubber stamp on notarized documents.
Seal requirements (Wis. Stat. 140.02):
- Type: Engraved seal (embosser) or rubber stamp; either is acceptable
- Must include: "Notary Public", "State of Wisconsin", and the notary's name
- The seal may be of any shape or size
- Must produce a distinct and legible impression or imprint
- Wisconsin notaries have statewide jurisdiction
Seal requirements (Wis. Stat. 140.02):
- Type: Engraved seal (embosser) or rubber stamp; either is acceptable
- Must include: "Notary Public", "State of Wisconsin", and the notary's name
- The seal may be of any shape or size
- Must produce a distinct and legible impression or imprint
- Wisconsin notaries have statewide jurisdiction
Contacting a Wisconsin Notary
The following is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
We make no warranty regarding its accuracy or completeness.
Consult a qualified attorney before taking action.
Wisconsin — Contacting the Notary for Verification
Wisconsin does not require notaries public to maintain a journal of notarial acts, though the practice is encouraged. If a notary maintains a recordbook (journal), certain regulations concerning disposition of such official records apply (Wis. Stat. Chapter 140).
Right to inspect:
- Because Wisconsin law does not mandate a notary journal, there is no statutory right to inspect a journal that may not exist.
- If a notary voluntarily maintains a journal and agrees to provide access, the requestor would need to contact the notary directly and request access voluntarily.
- If the notary refuses voluntary access, a subpoena or court order may be necessary to compel production.
What can be requested:
- Wisconsin law does not specify journal contents, but best practices suggest including: date and time, type of notarial act, type of document, printed name and address of each signer, identification method, and fee charged.
- Thumbprint: Wisconsin does not require thumbprints in notary journals.
Key considerations:
- Since journal-keeping is optional, many Wisconsin notaries may not maintain journals at all.
- Wisconsin notary commissions last 4 years. At least 30 days before expiration, the Department of Financial Institutions provides notice of the expiration date (Wis. Stat. § 140.16).
- When any notary ceases to hold office, the notary (or in case of death, their personal representative) shall deposit the notary's official records and papers with the Department of Financial Institutions. Failure to deposit within 3 months results in a forfeiture of $50 to $500 (Wis. Stat. § 140.17).
- On resignation, revocation, expiration, or death, the notary's stamping device must be disabled by destroying, defacing, damaging, or securing it against use (Wis. Stat. § 140.26, 140.27).
- If seeking verification of a notarization, it may be more productive to request an affidavit or sworn statement from the notary regarding their recollection of the notarial act, or to subpoena the notary for deposition.
- Contact: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Notary Services — (608) 266-8915
Relevant statutes: Wis. Stat. Chapter 140; Wis. Stat. §§ 140.16, 140.17, 140.26, 140.27
This information is provided for general reference only, does not constitute legal advice, and may not reflect current law. Laws and procedures change frequently. We make no warranty regarding accuracy or completeness. Consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction before taking action.
Wisconsin does not require notaries public to maintain a journal of notarial acts, though the practice is encouraged. If a notary maintains a recordbook (journal), certain regulations concerning disposition of such official records apply (Wis. Stat. Chapter 140).
Right to inspect:
- Because Wisconsin law does not mandate a notary journal, there is no statutory right to inspect a journal that may not exist.
- If a notary voluntarily maintains a journal and agrees to provide access, the requestor would need to contact the notary directly and request access voluntarily.
- If the notary refuses voluntary access, a subpoena or court order may be necessary to compel production.
What can be requested:
- Wisconsin law does not specify journal contents, but best practices suggest including: date and time, type of notarial act, type of document, printed name and address of each signer, identification method, and fee charged.
- Thumbprint: Wisconsin does not require thumbprints in notary journals.
Key considerations:
- Since journal-keeping is optional, many Wisconsin notaries may not maintain journals at all.
- Wisconsin notary commissions last 4 years. At least 30 days before expiration, the Department of Financial Institutions provides notice of the expiration date (Wis. Stat. § 140.16).
- When any notary ceases to hold office, the notary (or in case of death, their personal representative) shall deposit the notary's official records and papers with the Department of Financial Institutions. Failure to deposit within 3 months results in a forfeiture of $50 to $500 (Wis. Stat. § 140.17).
- On resignation, revocation, expiration, or death, the notary's stamping device must be disabled by destroying, defacing, damaging, or securing it against use (Wis. Stat. § 140.26, 140.27).
- If seeking verification of a notarization, it may be more productive to request an affidavit or sworn statement from the notary regarding their recollection of the notarial act, or to subpoena the notary for deposition.
- Contact: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Notary Services — (608) 266-8915
Relevant statutes: Wis. Stat. Chapter 140; Wis. Stat. §§ 140.16, 140.17, 140.26, 140.27
This information is provided for general reference only, does not constitute legal advice, and may not reflect current law. Laws and procedures change frequently. We make no warranty regarding accuracy or completeness. Consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction before taking action.