Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a notary in Duluth, MN. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Local privilege taxes vary by city. Not all Minnesota cities impose a business tax. Other cities like St. Paul, Duluth, and Rochester may have similar requirements. Verify with local municipality.
Not applicable to typical notary services. May apply only if business provides lodging, parking, or tourism-related services. Most notaries are exempt.
Single-member LLCs report income on owner’s Form 1040 (Schedule C). Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065. Franchise tax does not eliminate federal filing requirement.
All Minnesota LLCs must file an annual renewal (also called 'Annual Report') with the Secretary of State by December 31 each year. Confirms active status and updates contact information.
Notaries operating as LLCs must verify if county license required beyond state commission; most MN cities handle licensing
Separate license required for professional services; notary LLCs classified under general business
Limits clients to 5/day, no exterior signage, no employees; complies with Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Sec. 535.710
Must be accessory use; no structural alterations; Minneapolis Zoning Code Chapter 535
St. Paul Legislative Code Sec. 310 requires license for LLCs providing notary services
Max 25% of home floor area; no customer parking on street; St. Paul Zoning Code 63.45
County Ordinance 11, Chapter 18 regulates signage
Minneapolis Fire Code based on IFC 2018; not typically required for home notary
Required for change of occupancy; Minneapolis Building Code Sec. 110
A $10,000 surety bond is required for all Notaries Public in Minnesota. The bond protects the public from financial loss due to improper notarial conduct. The bond is filed with the Secretary of State and remains in effect for the 4-year commission term. Issued by a surety company authorized in Minnesota. Not required for Notary Signing Agents unless commissioned.
All employers in Minnesota with one or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance, regardless of business structure. Applies to LLCs. Sole proprietors without employees are not required to carry coverage for themselves unless they elect coverage.
Not mandated by the State of Minnesota for notaries. However, strongly recommended due to risk of third-party claims (e.g., property damage, personal injury at place of service). May be required by contract (e.g., with lenders or title companies). Regulated by the MN Department of Commerce under insurance laws.
Not legally required by Minnesota law. However, highly recommended for notaries, especially those performing loan signings or mobile notary services, to protect against claims of negligence or mistakes. Regulated as a form of professional liability insurance under MN insurance statutes.
Required under Minnesota's financial responsibility law for any vehicle registered to or used by the LLC. Personal auto policies may not cover business use. Coverage must meet state minimums: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage.
Most Minnesota cities require all businesses to obtain a license. Home-based notaries may need a Home Occupation Permit. Mobile notaries using vehicles for business may also need local permits.
Required for all LLCs. Online filing recommended via portal.
All active LLCs must file online Annual Renewal to maintain good standing.
Required for anyone performing notary acts. LLC itself not commissioned; owner/principal must be.
Renew online. Requires 4-hour approved education course (additional cost ~$50-100).
60-question exam on MN notary law; 75% passing score. Administered by approved providers.
Applies if notary business uses DBA. Publication required in county of principal place of business.
Required if charging sales tax on notary services (generally not applicable to pure notary work). Free online registration.
Notary services are generally not subject to sales tax in Minnesota. However, if the LLC sells tangible goods (e.g., notary supplies), a sales tax permit may be required. See MN Statute § 297A.61 for exemptions. Most notaries do not need this permit.
Required for all employers in Minnesota who pay wages subject to state income tax withholding. Applies to LLCs with employees. Includes filing Form WTH-1.
All employers in Minnesota must register with the Unemployment Insurance program. New employers pay a standard rate of 1.2% on the first $7,000 of each employee’s wages (as of 2024).
All Minnesota-based LLCs are subject to the franchise tax unless they qualify as a 'pass-through entity' with no Minnesota source income. Most small notary LLCs will owe the minimum $135 annual tax. Filed with Form M1.
Even if not required, most LLCs obtain an EIN for banking and vendor purposes. Apply via IRS Form SS-4 or online.
An EIN is a unique tax identification number assigned by the IRS to businesses operating in the United States, including LLCs. It’s used to identify your business for tax purposes and is required for opening a business bank account and filing federal taxes.
This rule requires you to clearly and conspicuously disclose your business identity in all advertising and marketing materials, preventing deceptive practices. Compliance ensures transparency and builds trust with consumers.
As an LLC, you’ll likely need to file either Form 1065 or 1120S with the IRS, depending on your business structure and elections, and pay self-employment taxes on your notary income.
The fees for filing BOI with FinCEN can vary, and it’s important to check the latest guidance from FinCEN to determine the current costs and requirements for your business.
Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions Insurance is required by the IRS, protecting you from claims of negligence or errors in your notary services; the one-time fee ranges from $500.00 to $2000.00.
Permit Finder asks follow-up questions to give you an exact list of permits.
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