How to Become a Notary in Missouri

Are you interested in learning how to  become a Missouri notary? Would you like to generate extra income as a Missouri notary, help people in your community notarize their documents, or add a title to your resume? The American Association of Notaries has been helping individuals become notaries since 1994. The guide below will help you understand the process required to become a Missouri notary. 

To become a Missouri notary, a notary applicant must:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.
2. Be a registered voter, or be a resident alien in the United States, and reside in the county in which he or she is to be commissioned.
3. Be able to read and write in the English language.
4. Not have had a commission revoked in the past ten years.

If you meet the above qualifications, you can apply to become a Missouri notary by:

1. Reading the Missouri's Notary Public Handbook.
2. Registering on the Missouri Secretary of State's website.
3. Successfully completing the Missouri Secretary of State's online or written training course.
4. Completing the notary application online.
5. Paying the $25.00 filing fee online to have your application processed by the Missouri Secretary of State.
6. Waiting for your commission letter from the Missouri Secretary of State to arrive in the mail.
7. Purchasing a four-year, $10,000 Missouri notary bond.
8. Visiting your county clerk's office to have the oath of office administered and submitting your official signature and notary bond to have your Missouri notary public commission certificate presented to you.

How can I start the Missouri notary application process to become a Missouri notary?

To become a Missouri notary, please follow the instructions listed in the previous section on becoming a Missouri notary. Click here for more information on how to become a Missouri notary, and read our Missouri law section. More information can be found at the Missouri Secretary of State's website.

How do I renew my Missouri notary commission?

Renewing your Missouri notary public commission requires you to take the same steps as applying for a Missouri notary commission for the first time. Please click here to begin the renewal process.

When can I renew my Missouri notary commission?

You can renew your Missouri notary commission up to six weeks before your current commission expiration date.

How much does it cost to become a Missouri notary?

To become a Missouri notary, you must pay a $25.00 filing fee to the Missouri Secretary of State to have your Missouri notary application processed. A four-year, $10,000 Missouri notary bond will then have to be purchased. You can purchase the notary bond for $30.00 at the American Association of Notaries' website at https://www.missourinotary.com/how-to-become-a-missouri-notary/. You will also need a Missouri notary stamp and Missouri notary record book or journal (prices will vary based on the items you select). Please visit https://www.missourinotary.com/stamps.asp for notary stamps and supplies.

How long does it take to become a Missouri notary public?

The application process to become a Missouri notary  varies from applicant to applicant. Each notary applicant must read the Secretary of State's Missouri Notary Handbook, successfully complete the Missouri notary training course, complete a notary application, and take the Missouri notary bond to his or her county clerk's office to be issued a Missouri notary commission certificate. Please note that the Missouri Secretary of State approves completed Missouri notary applications in three to five business days. You should receive the Missouri notary commission letter within a few  days by mail.  Once you receive the notary commission letter, you can purchase a notary bond.  Missouri notary bonds purchased online from the American Association of Notaries are issued within one business day.

How long does a Missouri notary commission last?

A Missouri notary term lasts four years. To verify when your term begins and ends, you'll have to look at the effective and expiration dates on the Missouri notary public commission certificate that was issued to you at the county clerk's office. To continue performing notarial acts as a Missouri notary after your current expiration date, you'll have to renew your Missouri notary commission before your notary term expires. Please click here to renew your Missouri notary commission.

Where do I purchase the four-year, $10,000 Missouri notary bond?

The Missouri notary bond can be purchased online at https://www.missourinotary.com/how-to-become-a-missouri-notary/. The cost for the four-year, $10,000 Missouri notary bond is $30.00. Notary bonds are issued within one business day.

Why do I need a Missouri notary bond?

The State of Missouri requires all notary applicants to purchase a Missouri notary bond to protect the public from any errors and omissions the notary may commit.

Does the Missouri notary bond protect me if I get sued?

No. To protect yourself as a Missouri notary, you need to purchase a Missouri errors and omissions (E&O) policy. This policy will cover any unintentional notary errors or omissions made by you as a notary.

Do I need to purchase a Missouri notary errors and omissions (E&O) policy?

The Missouri notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is optional but highly recommended. It is very affordable and covers you even if a claim is invalid. We offer E&O policies at https://www.missourinotary.com/notary-insurance.

Do I need to purchase a Missouri notary stamp? What notary supplies do I need when I become a Missouri notary?

After becoming a Missouri notary, in order to perform notarial acts in the state of Missouri, you need a Missouri notary stamp or a Missouri embossing seal and a Missouri notary record book. The Missouri record book is also referred to as a journal. A Missouri notary stamp or Missouri embossing notary seal must meet the following requirements:

1. It must be a rubber stamp or an embossing seal.
2. The text must be printed in no smaller than eight-point type.
3. The Missouri notary stamp or notary seal must use black ink.
4. The Missouri notary stamp or notary seal must include the notary's name as it appears on his or her commission certificate, the assigned commission number, and the three phrases "Notary Seal," "Notary Public," and "State of Missouri."

The Missouri Secretary of State requires that, on every notarial certificate the following information be typed, printed, or included on a notary stamp in eight-point type:

1. The expiration date of the notary's commission.
2. The county in which the notary is commissioned.

How do I order a Missouri notary stamp and record book?

Please go to https://www.missourinotary.com/notary-stamps to order your Missouri notary supplies. All of our Missouri notary stamps and Missouri notary supplies come with a life-time replacement guarantee, are made in house, and are shipped in one business day.

Do I need to send you my Missouri notary commission certificate to order a notary stamp?

Yes. The State of Missouri requires all vendors to keep a copy of the notary's commission certificate before shipping a Missouri notary stamp or notary embosser.

How can I train to become a Missouri notary?

The Missouri Secretary of State's website has a Missouri Notary Handbook for download at https://s1.sos.mo.gov/Business/Notary/notary/handbook.

The American Association of Notaries has been helping individuals become notaries and renew their notary commissions since 1994. We can help you become a Missouri notary and support you during your four -ears Missouri notary term.  Click here to learn more about how to become a Missouri notary.