Minnesota has always required Abstractors to be licensed.  In June of 2014, Licensing also became mandatory for those who close real estate transactions, including those who notarize documents for a real estate closing.  MN statutes MSA 507.45 and MSA 82.641 require those who present and notarize deeds, mortgage, affidavits, etc. for a real estate sale, purchase or refinance, to hold the state required Closer License.

In the last couple of weeks, the State of Minnesota's Enforcement Division has been contacting notaries, asking them to respond to questions as to whether they have complied with obtaining the required Closer License through the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

The Department of Commerce has the right to penalize those who do not comply.  

It is in everyone's best interest - Title Agents, Title Underwriters, etc. to be sure that your closer employees, and those who close for you as Mobile Notaries, comply with the law.  Information can be found at the Department of Commerce Web site.