How to Become a Notary in Missouri 2026: Complete MO Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in Missouri

Missouri does not require an exam to become a notary public. The state has a straightforward application process through the Missouri Secretary of State. Missouri was an early adopter of Remote Online Notarization, making it a progressive state for modern notary services.

Missouri Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become a Missouri Notary?

• No exam required - Simple application process
• 4-year commission - Reasonable commission term
• Early RON adopter - Remote Online Notarization authorized since 2020
• Affordable startup - Moderate bond and fee requirements
• Strong demand - Growing need in Kansas City, St. Louis, and statewide
• Electronic notary options - Multiple paths for modern notarization

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

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become a Missouri notary public, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a resident of Missouri OR be principally employed in Missouri
• Be able to read and write English
• Not have had a notary commission revoked within the past 5 years
• Not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving fraud or dishonesty

Step 2: Obtain Your Surety Bond

Before applying, you must secure a surety bond:

Bond Requirements:

• Amount: $10,000
• Term: Must cover your 4-year commission
• Filing: Bond must be filed with the county clerk

Where to Purchase:

• Insurance agencies
• Surety bond companies
• Online notary supply vendors
• Cost: Approximately $40-$75 for 4-year term

Step 3: Complete the Notary Application

Apply online through the Missouri Secretary of State:

1. Visit the Missouri Secretary of State website
2. Navigate to the Notary section
3. Complete the Notary Public Application online
4. Provide all required information

Required Information:

• Full legal name
• Social Security Number (for background verification)
• Date of birth
• Home address (Missouri)
• Business address (if applicable)
• Contact information
• Employer information (if applying based on employment)

Step 4: File Bond with County Clerk

After purchasing your bond:

• Take your surety bond to your county recorder of deeds or county clerk
• File the bond with the county
• Pay county filing fee (varies by county, typically $5-$15)
• Obtain certified copy of filed bond

Step 5: Submit Application and Pay Fee

Submit your completed application:

• Online Application Fee: $25
• Include required documentation
• Upload or mail proof of bond filing if not submitted electronically

Step 6: Take the Oath of Office

Once your application is approved:

• Take the oath of office within 30 days of approval
• Oath may be administered by the county clerk or other authorized official
• File the oath with the county clerk

Step 7: Receive Your Commission

After completing all steps:

• Your commission certificate will be mailed to you
• Commission information available in the Secretary of State's database
• You may begin notarizing after receiving your commission

Step 8: Purchase Notary Supplies

After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Seal (Required):

• Rubber ink stamp (most common) or embosser
• Cost: $20-$50

Required Seal Information:

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

Notary Journal (Required):

• Missouri law requires maintaining a notary journal
• Must record all notarial acts
• Cost: $15-$40

Missouri Notary Fees

Important Notes:

• Missouri sets maximum fees by statute
• Notaries may charge less than the maximum or waive fees
• Travel fees are negotiable and not subject to the statutory maximum
• RON fees may have different structures depending on platform

Missouri-Specific Requirements

Seal Requirements

Your Missouri notary seal must meet specific requirements:

Format Options:

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

Required Information:

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

Shape:

• No specific shape required, but must be clear and readable

Ink Color:

• Black or blue ink recommended for rubber stamps

Journal Requirements (Mandatory)

Missouri requires all notaries to maintain a journal:

Required Journal Entries:

• Date and time of notarization
• Type of notarial act performed
• Description or title of document
• Name and address of each signer
• Method of identity verification
• Fee charged (if any)

Journal Format:

• Bound paper journal with numbered pages, OR
• Secure electronic journal

Retention:

• Must retain journals for at least 5 years after last entry
• Must make journal available for inspection if required

Identification Requirements

Missouri requires notaries to identify signers through:

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

Acceptable Forms of ID:

• Valid driver's license or state ID
• Valid passport
• Government-issued photo identification
• Credible witness identification (with specific requirements)

Oath of Office

The oath must be taken within 30 days of commission approval:

• Administered by county clerk or other authorized official
• Filed with the county clerk
• Failure to take oath within 30 days may void commission

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Missouri

Missouri authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON) under HB 1655 and HB 1564, effective August 28, 2020.

Becoming a Missouri Remote Notary

To perform RON in Missouri:

1. Hold a valid Missouri notary commission in good standing
2. Register as a Remote Notary with the Secretary of State
3. Complete required training for remote notarization
4. Obtain appropriate technology and platform access
5. Comply with all technical requirements

RON Registration

• Submit RON registration to Secretary of State
• May be done online
• Provide information about technology platform
• Pay any applicable registration fees

RON Technology Requirements

• Computer with webcam and microphone
• Stable high-speed internet connection
• Approved remote notarization platform
• Knowledge-based authentication capability
• Credential analysis technology
• Tamper-evident seal technology
• Audio-visual recording capability

RON Training Requirements

Remote notaries must complete training covering:

• Missouri RON laws and regulations
• Technology platform operations
• Identity verification procedures (KBA and credential analysis)
• Electronic record-keeping
• Security and fraud prevention

Types of RON Permitted

Missouri allows remote online notarization for:

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

RON Recording Requirements

• Must record entire RON session (audio and video)
• Must retain recordings for at least 5 years
• Recordings must be stored securely and be retrievable

RON Journal Requirements

Remote notarizations must be recorded in your journal with additional information:

• Date and time of remote session
• Type of communication technology used
• Statement that RON was performed
• Electronic signature of signer

Total Cost to Become a Missouri Notary

For RON (additional):

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Renewing Your Missouri Commission

Missouri notary commissions are valid for 4 years.

Renewal Process:

• Apply for renewal before your commission expires
• Obtain new surety bond
• Submit renewal application
• Pay $25 application fee
• File new bond with county 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

30-Day Oath Requirement

Missouri has a strict 30-day requirement:

• Must take oath within 30 days of commission approval
• Failure to comply may void your commission
• Plan ahead to schedule oath appointment

Employment-Based Commission

Non-residents may qualify if:

• Principally employed in Missouri
• Maintain regular employment in the state
• Use Missouri employer address on application

Felony Conviction

Missouri law prohibits commission for those with:

• Felony conviction
• Crime involving fraud or dishonesty
• Prior notary commission revocation within 5 years

Journal Retention

Missouri requires retaining journals for 5 years:

• After last entry in the journal
• Must provide journal for inspection if required
• Applies to both paper and electronic journals

Name or Address Changes

If your information changes during your commission:

• Notify the Secretary of State within 30 days
• May need to update bond and county records
• Obtain new seal with correct information

Errors & Omissions Insurance

While not required, E&O insurance is recommended:

• Provides additional liability protection
• Often available bundled with bond
• Typical cost: $25-$75 annually

Start Your Missouri Notary Career Today

Missouri offers a straightforward path to becoming a notary public with no exam requirement. As an early RON adopter, Missouri provides modern opportunities for notaries to serve clients remotely. The 4-year commission term and reasonable costs make it accessible for those looking to start or expand their notary services in the Show-Me State.

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