To become a Notary Public in Missouri, applicants must follow these steps:
- Meet all of your state's qualifications.
- Read the Missouri Notary Public Handbook.
- Take the Notary training course and pass the exam.
- Complete the Application for Commission as a Notary Public.
- Get a $10,000 surety bond.
- File your bond and take your oath of office.
- Buy your Notary seal and journal.
About the Missouri Notary Process
The Missouri Secretary of State has different requirements for traditional, electronic and remote online Notaries. Find more information about applying for a traditional MO Notary Public commission below.
The term of a Missouri Notary commission is four years.
Cost to Become an MO Notary
The cost to become a Missouri Notary Public is between $133 to $180, depending on where you purchase your Notary supplies and which county clerk you visit.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application fee |
$25 |
| $10,000 surety bond |
$45 |
| County clerk fees for filing your bond and administering your oath |
$3 - $25 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$133 - $180 |
Commission Processing Time
The Missouri Secretary of State recommends allowing four to six weeks to process a Notary Public application.
Missouri Notary Public Requirements
Learn how you can qualify to become a Notary in the Show-Me State.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in Missouri must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a permanent resident alien of the U.S.
- Be a resident of the MO county where they are applying or have a work address in that county
- Be able to read and write English
- Have no felony convictions
Notary Public Handbook
Reading the Missouri Notary Public Handbook is required before submitting your application.
Notary Training
The Notary training course may be completed online or on paper. During the course, you’ll be asked a series of questions. A passing score is required to get a commission.
Application
The Application for Commission as a Notary Public form may be completed online or by mail.
Submit your application, completion certificate and $25 fee to the Secretary of State. You’ll receive your commission letter from the state.
County Clerk
The county clerk will notify you to file your bond and take your oath of office in person within 60 days.
Within seven days of taking your oath, mail your bond, oath of office and signature to the Secretary of State.
Notary Supplies
Missouri Notaries must use an engraved embosser, or a black-inked rubber stamp seal, and a journal for all notarial acts for paper documents.
The seal must contain the following information in print in at least eight-point type:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Seal"
- The words "Notary Public"
- The words "State of Missouri"
- Your commission number assigned by the Secretary of State
- Your commission expiration date (optional)
- Your county of commission (optional)
The information in the seal must be surrounded by a border in a rectangular or circular shape no larger than 1/16". The Missouri Notary Public Handbook includes more information regarding what your stamp should look like.
Every Missouri Notary must keep a permanently bound journal of their notarial acts containing numbered pages. Simple notebooks or glue-bound journals are not acceptable in Missouri.
Surety Bond
Within 45 days of appointment, Missouri Notaries are required to purchase a $10,000 surety bond from an authorized company to protect signers against financial damages resulting from the Notary's negligence or misconduct.
Missouri Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a Notary? Read on below.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Missouri Office of Secretary of State, Commissions Division, handles Notaries and is located in Jefferson City, MO.
600 West Main, Room 322
Jefferson City, MO 65101
May I become a Missouri Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become a Missouri Notary Public. You must, however, be a legal resident of the state and meet all other application requirements.
I work in MO, but I do not live there. Can I still notarize in the state?
A resident of another U.S. state may apply for a Missouri Notary commission as long as the applicant works in the state and uses the Notary seal only in the course of employment.
A non-resident must have a work address in the Missouri county where commissioning is sought and authorize the Missouri Secretary of State to accept services of process or other legal notifications on the applicant's behalf.
Where will I be able to notarize?
A Missouri Notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
A Missouri Notary may notarize for any member of the public with a few exceptions.
Notaries are prohibited from notarizing their own signatures or that of their spouse, domestic partner, ancestor, descendant or sibling of the principal, including in-laws, step-relatives and half relatives.
What fees can Missouri Notaries charge per notarization?
Missouri allows Notaries to charge $5 for most notarial acts and $1 per page for a copy of certification. You may charge an additional fee for travel, but the signer must agree to it in advance.
If you choose to charge for notarial acts, you must display an English-language fee schedule in at least 12-point type. This must be on display at your place of work or business or presented to signers if you're outside your regular place of work or business.
Do Missouri Notaries need insurance?
The best way for Notaries to protect themselves against possible legal costs is to purchase errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. Though not required by law, it’s strongly recommended. An E&O policy covers a Notary's legal fees and damages up to the amount of the policy.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
Any changes to your address or name must be reported to the Secretary of State within 10 days of the change.
To update your information, send the SOS a tangible receipt, signed notice of the change with both your old and new addresses (or old and new names), and a $5 fee.
- Address changes: Suspend performing notarial acts until you've received confirmation of the address change from the SOS and notified the surety of the change in writing.
- Name changes: Notaries who change their names by court order or marriage are required to use their former name in notarial acts until they've received confirmation from the Secretary, obtained a seal with their new name and notified the surety of the change in writing.
What is the process to renew my Missouri commission?
There isn't an official renewal process in Missouri.
You must apply as though you are being commissioned for the first time. The earliest you can start the process is six weeks before your current commission expires.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Missouri?
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Last updated: Jan 22, 2025