Montana's handbook states that the term of office for a notary public is four years and that Montana applicants must satisfy the eligibility rules set out by the Secretary of State.
The Montana Help Center states that all new and renewing notary applicants must complete approved training, and the handbook says first-time applicants or renewing notaries with a lapse may need to pass the online examination.
Montana explains the differences among traditional notarization, in-person electronic notarization, and remote online notarization. RON has been available to Montana notaries since October 1, 2019.
Montana's Help Center states that RON, remote, and IPEN notarizations may only be performed when the notary is physically within Montana, even though the signer may be located elsewhere.
Montana items confirmed from official sources
- Commission term confirmed: four years.
- Montana RON has been available since October 1, 2019.
- Montana requires approved training for new and renewing notaries.
- Montana uses separate traditional, IPEN, and RON workflows.
- The Montana notary must be physically within Montana for remote acts.
- Montana offers statewide jurisdiction for commissioned notaries.
This page is informational only and is not legal advice. Confirm current Montana requirements before applying, buying tools, or performing notarial acts. Reviewed March 14, 2026.