Notary Permits & Licenses in Milwaukee, WI

Maintain EIN on all tax filings; no annual renewal required.

Required for all LLCs formed in Wisconsin. Annual report required separately (see below).

Applies to all Wisconsin LLCs; maintains good standing.

Required to perform notarial acts. Prerequisites: WI resident or work in WI, 18+, read/write English, no felony convictions, pass exam ($20 exam fee via provider), $5,000 surety bond, knowledge of notary laws. Exam via approved providers listed on site. Journal required for electronic/remote notarizations.

Required if business uses DBA. Publish notice in newspaper within 40 days of filing (additional cost ~$50-100 depending on county).

Notaries typically provide services (non-taxable), but required if selling notary seals, journals, or other goods. Register via Wisconsin eRegistration system.

All Wisconsin LLCs must register for state income tax, even if the LLC is taxed as a partnership or sole proprietorship. Annual filing is required on the same schedule as the federal return (generally April 15 for calendar‑year filers).

Notary services themselves are not subject to Wisconsin sales tax, so most notary‑only businesses will not need this permit.

After registration, quarterly withholding returns (Form WT‑2) are due the 15th of the month following the end of each quarter (April 15, July 15, October 15, January 15).

Quarterly UI reports are due the 30th day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter (April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31).

Most notary LLCs are taxed as partnerships/sole proprietorships and therefore do not pay corporate income tax, but the option exists.

Milwaukee imposes a privilege tax on most businesses operating within city limits, regardless of industry.

Madison requires a business license for most commercial activities; notary services are included.

Required for all businesses including notaries operating as LLCs; notary-specific activity may fall under professional services category. Confirm via online portal.

Notaries must ensure location complies with zoning district use tables (e.g., home occupation permit needed for residences per Sec. 295-907).

Limits include no external signage, <25% floor area use, no customer visits exceeding standards.

Wall signs limited by zone; electronic signs restricted.

Notaries typically low hazard but required for assembly/office occupancies.

Registration required to avoid excessive false alarm penalties.

City of Madison has separate rules (see madison.com for city code); stricter limits on traffic/visibility.

No general business license; zoning approval mandatory for LLC operations.

Wisconsin requires all notaries to obtain a $25,000 surety bond as a condition of commissioning (Wis. Stat. § 140.07(2)). The bond protects the public from financial loss due to improper notarial acts. The bond must be filed with the county clerk of the notary’s county of residence. This applies to all notaries, including those operating as LLCs.

Wisconsin law requires all employers with one or more employees (full-time, part-time, or temporary) to carry workers’ compensation insurance (Wis. Stat. § 102.07). Sole proprietors, partners, and LLC members are not counted as employees unless they elect coverage. A Notary LLC must obtain coverage only if it employs others beyond the owner(s).

General liability insurance is not mandated by Wisconsin law for notaries. However, it is often required by commercial landlords or clients. While not a state mandate, it is strongly recommended to protect against claims of bodily injury or property damage occurring during business operations.

E&O insurance is not mandated by Wisconsin law for notaries. However, the Wisconsin Secretary of State strongly recommends it to protect against claims of negligence or mistakes in notarial acts. The $25,000 surety bond does not cover the notary personally; E&O insurance fills that gap. This is especially important for mobile notaries or those serving high-risk transactions.

Wisconsin requires all motor vehicles registered to a business to carry liability insurance meeting minimum limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage (Wis. Stat. § 344.25). Personal auto policies typically exclude business use, so a commercial policy is required if the vehicle is used for notary services (e.g., mobile notary visits).

Product liability insurance is not mandated by Wisconsin law. However, if the Notary LLC sells tangible goods (e.g., notary seals, journals), it assumes liability for defects. While not required, it is recommended as part of a broader liability strategy. Most general liability policies include limited product coverage.

Liquor liability insurance is not required for notary businesses unless alcohol is served or sold. Wisconsin requires businesses with alcohol licenses to carry such insurance. Since notaries do not typically serve alcohol, this does not apply unless the business hosts events involving alcohol service.

All LLCs, even those with no employees, are required to have an EIN for tax reporting purposes.

If the LLC elects partnership or corporate taxation, different forms (1065, 1120) apply.

Even a single employee (including the owner if treated as employee) triggers these obligations.

A notary office with no employees is generally exempt from OSHA record‑keeping, but must still maintain a safe workplace.

Even small offices must ensure reasonable access (e.g., wheelchair‑accessible entrance, accessible website).

Notary services must not make false claims about authority (e.g., claiming to be a 'legal representative' or 'certified' beyond state authority).

Even a single part‑time employee triggers the requirement.

Most small notary LLCs will not meet the employee threshold; thus, generally not applicable.

Typical notary offices do not handle hazardous waste; this requirement is usually not triggered.

There are no federal licenses specifically required for a notary public business. All licensing is handled at the state level (Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services).

Filing can be done online via the DFI portal. No separate renewal – the report must be filed each year to keep the entity in good standing.

Renewal requires completion of the 2‑hour continuing‑education course and submission of the renewal application.

A minimum of 2 hours of approved continuing‑education is required for each renewal.

Electronic or paper journal is acceptable if it meets statutory requirements.

If the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, file Wisconsin Corporate Income Tax (Form 1) instead.

Required if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in state tax for the year.

Even a single‑employee LLC must register and file if wages exceed $1,500 in a calendar quarter.

Sole proprietor with no employees is exempt.

Commonly required posters: Minimum Wage, Workers’ Compensation, OSHA Safety and Health, Unemployment Insurance.

Notary services themselves are not regulated at the municipal level, but the LLC may need a general business license to operate from a commercial address.