How to Become a Notary in Mississippi 2026: Complete MS Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in Mississippi

Mississippi does not require an exam to become a notary public. The state has a straightforward application process through the Mississippi Secretary of State. Mississippi notaries enjoy one of the longest commission terms in the nation at 4 years, with reasonable bonding requirements.

Mississippi Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become a Mississippi Notary?

• No exam required - Simple application process
• 4-year commission - Long commission term
• Low bond requirement - Only $5,000 surety bond needed
• Affordable fees - Low startup costs
• RON authorized - Remote Online Notarization available
• Growing demand - Consistent need for notary services statewide

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Step-by-Step: How to Become a Mississippi Notary

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become a Mississippi notary public, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a resident of Mississippi
• Be able to read and write English
• Not have been convicted of a felony (unless pardoned or rights restored)
• Be of good moral character

Step 2: Obtain Your Surety Bond

Before applying, you must secure a surety bond:

Bond Requirements:

• Amount: $5,000
• Term: Must cover your 4-year commission
• Filing: Bond must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court

Where to Purchase:

• Insurance agencies
• Surety bond companies
• Online notary supply vendors
• Cost: Approximately $25-$50 for 4-year term

Step 3: Complete the Notary Application

Apply through the Mississippi Secretary of State:

1. Download the Notary Public Application from the Secretary of State website
2. Complete all required fields
3. Have the application notarized by a current Mississippi notary
4. Include your bond information

Required Information:

• Full legal name
• Home address (Mississippi residence)
• Contact information
• Employment information
• Statement of qualifications

Step 4: File Bond with Circuit Clerk

Before submitting your application:

• Take your surety bond to your county Clerk of the Circuit Court
• File the bond with the clerk
• Pay any county filing fees
• Obtain proof of bond filing

Step 5: Submit Application and Pay Fee

Submit your completed application to the Secretary of State:

• Application Fee: $25
• Include proof of bond filing
• Submit by mail or in person

Mailing Address: Mississippi Secretary of State Notary Division P.O. Box 136 Jackson, MS 39205

Step 6: Take the Oath of Office

Once your application is approved:

• Take the oath of office before the Clerk of Circuit Court
• Or before another official authorized to administer oaths
• Record the oath with the circuit clerk
• Obtain your commission certificate

Step 7: Purchase Notary Supplies

After completing the oath, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Seal (Required):

• Rubber ink stamp or embosser
• Cost: $20-$50

Required Seal Information:

• Your name exactly as commissioned
• "Notary Public"
• "Mississippi" or "State of Mississippi"
• Commission expiration date

Notary Journal (Recommended):

• While not legally required, maintaining a journal is recommended
• Provides protection in case of disputes
• Cost: $15-$40

Mississippi Notary Fees

Important Notes:

• Mississippi sets maximum fees that notaries cannot exceed
• Notaries may charge less than the maximum or waive fees
• Travel fees are negotiable
• Notaries may not charge additional fees beyond those authorized

Mississippi-Specific Requirements

Seal Requirements

Your Mississippi notary seal must meet specific requirements:

Format Options:

• Rubber ink stamp (most common)
• Embosser (acceptable)

Required Information:

• Your exact name as commissioned
• "Notary Public"
• "Mississippi" or "State of Mississippi"
• Commission expiration date

Ink Color:

• Black or blue ink recommended for rubber stamps

Journal Requirements

Mississippi does not legally require notaries to maintain a journal. However:

• Highly recommended for all notaries
• Provides legal protection in disputes
• Essential for tracking notarial acts
• Best practice for professional notaries

Certificate Requirements

Each notarization must include proper certificate wording:

• Type of notarial act (acknowledgment, jurat, etc.)
• Venue (State and County)
• Date of notarization
• Signer's name
• Your signature
• Notary seal impression

Identification Requirements

Mississippi law requires notaries to properly identify signers:

• Personal knowledge of the signer, OR
• Satisfactory evidence of identity

Acceptable Forms of ID:

• Valid driver's license
• State-issued ID card
• Valid passport
• Government-issued photo identification
• Credible witness identification

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Mississippi

Mississippi authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON) under the Mississippi Electronic Notarization Act.

Becoming a Mississippi Remote Notary

To perform RON in Mississippi:

1. Hold a valid Mississippi notary commission in good standing
2. Register as an Electronic Notary with the Secretary of State
3. Complete approved training for electronic notarization
4. Obtain appropriate technology for remote notarization
5. Select an approved technology platform

RON Registration Requirements

• Submit Electronic Notary registration to Secretary of State
• Provide information about technology platform used
• May need additional bond coverage
• Pay any applicable registration fees

RON Technology Requirements

• Computer with webcam and microphone
• Stable high-speed internet connection
• Approved remote notarization platform
• Identity verification technology
• Audio-visual recording capability
• Secure electronic signature capability

RON Training Requirements

Electronic notaries should complete training covering:

• Mississippi electronic notarization laws
• Technology platform operations
• Identity verification procedures
• Electronic record-keeping
• Security and fraud prevention

Types of RON Permitted

Mississippi allows remote online notarization for:

• Acknowledgments
• Jurats
• Oaths and affirmations
• Most standard notarial acts

RON Recording Requirements

• Must maintain audio-visual recording of RON sessions
• Must retain recordings for required period
• Recordings must be stored securely

Total Cost to Become a Mississippi Notary

For RON (additional):

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Renewing Your Mississippi Commission

Mississippi notary commissions are valid for 4 years.

Renewal Process:

• Apply for renewal before your commission expires
• Obtain new surety bond
• Submit renewal application with $25 fee
• File new bond with circuit clerk
• Take new oath of office

Important Notes:

• If your commission expires, you cannot notarize until renewed
• Apply 30-60 days before expiration recommended
• Update your seal with new expiration date

Special Considerations

Residency Requirement

Mississippi requires notaries to be state residents:

• Must maintain Mississippi residence throughout commission
• Moving out of state voids your commission
• Non-residents cannot become Mississippi notaries

Felony Conviction

Applicants with felony convictions may still apply if:

• Rights have been restored
• Pardon has been granted
• Sufficient rehabilitation demonstrated

County Filing

Mississippi requires bond filing with the Circuit Clerk:

• This is a separate step from Secretary of State application
• County fees vary by jurisdiction
• Proof of filing required for state application

Employer-Sponsored Notaries

If your employer sponsors your notary commission:

• Employer may pay for bond and supplies
• You retain personal liability for your acts
• Commission remains yours even if you change employers

Name or Address Changes

If your information changes during your commission:

• Notify the Secretary of State
• May need to update bond with circuit clerk
• Obtain new seal with correct information

Start Your Mississippi Notary Career Today

Mississippi offers an accessible path to becoming a notary public with no exam requirement and one of the lowest bond requirements in the nation. The 4-year commission term and straightforward application process make it easy to start your notary career. With RON now authorized, Mississippi notaries have expanded opportunities to serve clients both in-person and remotely.

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