How to Become a Notary in Missouri (2026 Guide)
Published February 2, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026
Key Takeaways
- $10,000 surety bond required
- No exam or training course required
- Application fee: $25 | Commission term: 4 years
- Must be 18+, a MO resident, and a registered voter
- RON available since 2021
Missouri requires a $10,000 surety bond but no exam or training course. Notaries must be registered voters. The process runs through the Secretary of State and is fully online. Here is how it works.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Missouri resident
- Be a registered voter in Missouri
- Have no felony convictions
- Be able to read and write English
Missouri is one of the few states that requires notary applicants to be registered voters. If you are not currently registered, you will need to do that before applying. The Secretary of State verifies voter registration as part of the application process.
Disqualifying Factors
You cannot become a Missouri notary if you have a felony conviction on your record. The Secretary of State may also deny your application if you have had a notary commission revoked in Missouri or any other state.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Purchase Your $10,000 Surety Bond
Purchase a $10,000 surety bond from a bonding company or insurance agent. The bond protects the public, not you. The premium typically costs $30-$60 for the full 4-year term. You pay only the premium, not the $10,000.
Step 2: Submit Your Application Online
Complete the notary application through the Missouri Secretary of State. Upload your bond and pay the $25 fee. The entire process is online. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Step 3: Buy Your Supplies
Purchase a notary stamp (required) and journal (recommended). Stamps cost $15-$25, journals $10-$50. Your stamp must include your name exactly as it appears on your commission, “Notary Public,” “State of Missouri,” and your commission expiration date.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| $10,000 surety bond premium | $30-$60 |
| Application fee | $25 |
| Notary stamp | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (recommended) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $80-$160 |
Fee Schedule
Missouri sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act. You may also charge a travel fee for mobile notary services if agreed upon in advance with the signer. There is no cap on travel fees.
Authorized Notarial Acts
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take depositions
- Certify copies of documents
- Perform jurats
Notary Stamp Requirements
Missouri requires a notary stamp or seal. It must include your name as it appears on your commission, the words “Notary Public” and “State of Missouri,” and your commission expiration date. You cannot perform notarizations without your stamp.
Notarizing for Family Members
Missouri does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. The standard conflict-of-interest rule applies: you cannot notarize a document in which you have a direct financial or beneficial interest. Avoid notarizing for yourself or your spouse on shared financial documents.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
Not required, but recommended. E&O insurance protects you personally from lawsuits related to notary errors. The $10,000 surety bond protects the public. E&O protects you. Policies typically run $30-$100 per year for $25,000-$100,000 in coverage.
Penalties for Notary Misconduct
- Notarizing without authority: misdemeanor charge
- Fraud or forgery: felony charges
- Commission revocation: the Secretary of State can revoke your commission at any time for cause
- Civil liability: your $10,000 surety bond covers claims from the public
Employer Obligations
- Your commission is personal and does not belong to your employer
- If you leave your job, your stamp and commission go with you
- Your employer cannot require you to skip proper notarization procedures
- An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability
Renewal
Missouri notary commissions last 4 years. You can renew through the Secretary of State starting 30 days before expiration. You will need a new surety bond for each commission term. If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot perform notarial acts during the gap.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Missouri authorized remote online notarization in 2021. To become a remote notary, you must first hold an active Missouri notary commission, then register with the Secretary of State as a RON notary. You will need to contract with an approved RON technology provider. The state maintains a list of approved providers on its website.
Becoming a Signing Agent
After receiving your commission, complete a signing agent certification program. Missouri is not an attorney state for real estate closings, so signing agents can handle loan document signings without attorney involvement.
How Missouri Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | Missouri | Illinois | Kentucky | Arkansas | Kansas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | $10,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $7,500 | $12,000 |
| Exam | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Training | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Term | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years | 10 years | 4 years |
| Max Fee | $5 | $5 | None | $5 | $5 |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Missouri requires a $10,000 bond but no exam or training. Kentucky is the easiest entry point in the region with only a $1,000 bond. Kansas requires the highest bond at $12,000. Arkansas offers the longest term at 10 years but requires an exam. Illinois is the only neighboring state that requires training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in Missouri?
No. Missouri does not require a notary exam or training course.
Do I need a surety bond in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri requires a $10,000 surety bond. The premium costs $30-$60 for a 4-year term.
How long does a Missouri notary commission last?
4 years. You can renew starting 30 days before expiration through the Secretary of State.
Is a notary journal required in Missouri?
No, but it is strongly recommended. A journal protects you if a notarization is ever challenged in court.
Can Missouri notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Missouri authorized RON in 2021. You must register with the Secretary of State and use an approved technology provider.
Related Reading
- How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
- How to Become a Notary in Illinois
- Dual Tray Laser Printer Recommendations for Signing Agents
Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the Missouri Secretary of State and RSMo Chapter 486.
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