How to Become a Notary in Missouri

Becoming a notary public in Missouri is a straightforward process that opens doors to a flexible side business or valuable skill for your career. Notaries handle document verification, witness signatures, and oath administration for legal transactions, real estate closings, and loan signings. Missouri makes it accessible: the application is simple, the training is manageable, and the startup costs are reasonable. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to do, step by step.

What Is a Missouri Notary Public?

A Missouri notary public is an official appointed by the Secretary of State to perform specific acts on documents. You verify the identity of signers, witness their signatures, administer oaths, take affidavits, and certify copies of documents. Notaries do not provide legal advice and are not lawyers, but they serve a critical role in preventing fraud and authenticating transactions. Many notaries in Missouri also pursue loan-signing agent work or mobile notary services, traveling to clients' homes or offices to notarize documents.

Before You Apply: Eligibility Requirements

Missouri has basic eligibility requirements for notary applicants. You must be at least 18 years old, live or have a regular place of work or business in Missouri, reside legally in the United States, and be able to read and write English. The application must list any criminal convictions, and the Secretary of State may deny a commission within five years after a felony or a dishonesty offense. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact the Missouri Secretary of State's Commissions Division directly before applying.

Materials and Documents You Will Need

Gather these items before starting your application:

• A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
• Your residence and work addresses, employer name, and county of residence or work
• Your Social Security number
• Information about your county (you will present your oath and bond to that county's clerk)
• A notary stamp or seal (you will purchase this after your commission is approved)
• Contact information for a surety bond company

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

Step 1: Complete the Required Training Course

Missouri requires all notary applicants to complete a state-approved training course and pass an exam before you can apply for your commission. The Secretary of State maintains a list of approved course providers. You can take these courses online or in person. The course typically covers notary duties, legal requirements, ethics, and common mistakes to avoid. Pay attention to sections on identifying fraud, verifying identity, and handling difficult situations.

Step 2: Pass the Notary Exam

After completing your training, you must pass the required exam with a score of at least 80 percent. The exam is straightforward if you studied the course material. It tests your knowledge of Missouri notary law, proper procedures, and ethical responsibilities. You typically have multiple attempts if needed, though most people pass on their first try.

Step 3: Obtain a Surety Bond

You need a surety bond for $10,000 with a 4-year term, presented to your county clerk after your commission is issued. This bond protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly. Contact a licensed Missouri surety and apply for a notary bond. The surety will issue the bond, which you take to the county clerk along with your oath. Bond costs vary but typically range from $50 to $150 for a four-year term.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application Materials

Download the notary application form from the Missouri Secretary of State website. Gather your personal, residence and work information and your training completion record. Complete the application form accurately and clearly. Double-check all information before submitting.

Step 5: Submit Your Application to the Secretary of State

Mail your application along with your training completion record and a $25 application fee to the Missouri Secretary of State's Commissions Division. You can also submit your application online through the Missouri Business Filings portal at https://bsd.sos.mo.gov/. Online submission is faster and recommended. Include a check or money order for $25 payable to the Missouri Secretary of State. The Secretary of State forwards your commission to the county clerk, not to you.

Step 6: Wait for Approval and Receive Your Commission

The Secretary of State will review your application. Online submissions are often processed within a few business days. You will receive notice that your commission has been sent to your county clerk. Your commission is valid for four years from the date of issuance.

Step 7: Present Your Oath and Bond to Your County Clerk

Once your commission is issued, you must present your $10,000 bond to the clerk of the county where you were commissioned and take your oath there within 60 days of the commission issue date. Schedule an appointment with your county clerk's office and bring your original bond. The county clerk will administer an oath that you will perform your duties faithfully and honestly. This step is required by Missouri law, and you must mail the oath and bond to the Secretary of State within seven days of taking the oath. A commission not qualified within 60 days is returned and you may have to reapply.

Step 8: Obtain Your Notary Seal or Stamp

Purchase an official Missouri notary stamp or seal. These are available from office supply stores, online retailers, or specialized notary supply companies. Your seal should include your name, the words "Notary Public," the state of Missouri, your commission expiration date, and your notary serial number (assigned by the Secretary of State). Keep your seal secure and record every notarial act in your journal.

The Cost of Becoming a Missouri Notary

Here is a breakdown of typical costs:

• Training course: cost varies (check the Secretary of State's notary page)
• Secretary of State application fee: $25
• Surety bond (4-year term): $50 to $150
• Notary seal or stamp: $10 to $30
• Total startup cost: roughly $100 to $250

This is a low barrier to entry compared to many licensed professions. Your bond must be renewed every four years if you want to keep your commission active, so plan for ongoing costs.

Optional: Remote Online Notarization in Missouri

Missouri authorizes remote online notarization (RON) under RSMo 486.1100 to 486.1205 (enacted by HB 1655 in 2020) and regulations at 15 CSR 30-110. If you are interested in notarizing documents electronically for clients who sign remotely, you can pursue this specialization. You must first hold an active Missouri notary commission. Then, complete an additional remote online notary training course and register with the Secretary of State. Remote online notarization lets you serve signers who are not in the same room, expanding your potential client base. Review the Secretary of State's RON rules, including where you must be located when you perform a remote notarization.

What You Can and Cannot Do as a Notary

Once commissioned, you can notarize signatures on affidavits, certify copies of documents, administer oaths, and witness signatures. However, you cannot provide legal advice, prepare legal documents, or advise someone on what they should sign. You must remain impartial and cannot notarize documents for yourself or your immediate family members. If you are unsure whether a particular act is within your authority, check the Secretary of State guidelines or consult a lawyer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the training course. It is required and teaches you actual law and ethics, not just stamp-and-sign procedures.
• Missing the county clerk step. Many new notaries forget to present their oath and bond to their county clerk. This is a legal requirement, and without it, your commission is incomplete.
• Notarizing for family members. Never notarize for yourself, your spouse, or your immediate relatives. This creates conflicts of interest and is prohibited.
• Not verifying identity. Always ask for a valid photo ID and verify the signer's identity before notarizing any document. This is your core responsibility.
• Forgetting to log notarizations. Missouri law requires a chronological journal of notarial acts in a permanently bound book with numbered pages, kept for at least ten years after the last entry.
• Allowing someone else to use your seal. Your seal is your responsibility. Never loan it to anyone else, and keep it in a secure location.

Tips for Success as a Missouri Notary

• Market yourself as a mobile notary. Many clients need notarization done at their home, office, or hospital. Offering mobile services can generate steady income.
• Consider becoming a loan-signing agent. Real estate closings, refinances, and home equity lines require loan documents to be notarized. This is lucrative work if you are detail-oriented.
• Network with real estate agents and attorneys. These professionals refer clients to notaries regularly. Build relationships and advertise your services to their offices.
• Stay updated on Missouri notary law. The rules can change. Review the Secretary of State website periodically and renew your training before your commission expires.
• Keep your bond current. Your surety bond must remain active throughout your commission term. If it lapses, you cannot legally notarize documents.

Timeline and Expected Results

If you work efficiently, you can become a commissioned Missouri notary in 2 to 4 weeks. Here is a realistic timeline:

• Week 1: Complete your training course online
• Week 1 to 2: Pass your exam and obtain your surety bond
• Week 2 to 3: Submit your application online to the Secretary of State
• Week 3 to 4: Take your oath and present your bond at the county clerk, mail them to the Secretary of State, and purchase your seal

Once commissioned, you will have the legal authority to notarize documents, administer oaths, and certify copies within Missouri. You can charge up to $5 per signature for acknowledgments, jurats and signature witnessings, and a separate travel fee if agreed in advance. Many notaries earn $500 to $2,000 per month with part-time work, though income varies widely based on location, marketing, and effort.

Disclaimer

This article is informational and does not constitute legal or professional advice. The process, fees, and requirements for becoming a Missouri notary public are subject to change. Always verify current requirements, fees, and procedures with the Missouri Secretary of State at https://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations before submitting your application. If you have questions about your eligibility or specific notary duties, consult the Secretary of State or an attorney licensed to practice in Missouri.