This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of becoming a notary in Missouri. The Secretary of State offers two ways to successfully submit an accurate application, and we'll describe them both here.
There are some things you need to acquire before you submit your application. If you want to start offering notarization services to your community, you'll need:
Our Missouri Notary Package provides an easy way to get everything you need for your new commission. It includes everything listed above. Plus, if you choose our package, we submit the application for you based on the information you provide to us.
Don't waste time looking for the supplies you need. Let us do it for you!
In addition to the required notary supplies, all applicants need to meet certain requirements to become notaries.
According to Statute Chapter 486, to qualify for a commission, you must:
Non-resident applicants must work in the same county where they are applying. Additionally, any permanent resident alien under Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act can become a notary public in Missouri if they send a copy of their green card with their application.
Now that you know what it takes to become a notary in the Show-Me State, you can move forward with the rest of the notarization process. Follow these four steps to submit your application, secure your bond, and begin your notarial journey.
The Missouri Notary Public Handbook is a detailed and vital resource for any applicant. It covers a notary's responsibilities and provides general information, including a glossary of important terms.
The handbook is where you'll find the information needed to complete the required notary training course. There is no notary public exam that you need to pass, just a course created to ensure you know how to perform your duties.
Our notary package includes access to a state-approved course. You could also complete a printable version and include it with your paper application.
All notaries require a four-year, $10,000 notary public bond in Missouri. The state does not provide these bonds, but one is included with our notary package. Pick a name for your surety bond that you want to appear on your official seal of office.
After purchasing the bond, print a copy to show to your county clerk (see step four).
An error and omissions (E&O) policy does not replace a bond. E&O insurance protects you, the notary, from paying for legal fees if you make a mistake and get sued. Learn more about why we recommend E&O liability insurance here.
You can complete the notary commission application online or by mail. To do it online, you need to create an account on the Secretary of State website.
When you purchase our notary package, we handle the application process for you. Simply follow our prompts to provide the information needed for the application. Then, you can print the application and a copy of your Education Certificate.
Sign both documents using the exact same name that you used for the application and send them to us.
Mail your original documents to:
225 E Robinson Street, Suite 570
Orlando, Florida 32801
Or send us scanned copies to info@notaries.com
After your application is approved, the Secretary of State will send you a commission letter. The letter explains where your local county clerk's office is, your commission number, and your commission's start and expiration date.
Please email us a copy of this letter as soon as possible so we can send you the notary bond packet. Print the contents of the packet and bring them to the county where you will be sworn in as a notary public.
Once you have received your notary commission certificate, please scan and email it to us so that we can create your custom notary stamp and other supplies.
Lastly, you must qualify your commission within 60 days from the date it is issued. To do so, go to your county clerk's office with your surety bond and prepare to take the oath of office.
Before taking the oath, you must present satisfactory evidence of your identity, such as a state-issued photo ID or a U.S. passport. Each county also charges a fee for administering the oath. Contact your county clerk for more information.
The clerk or deputy will then administer the oath of office, which you must sign using the exact same name as on your application. Then you will get your commission certificate.
There's one last step to complete before you can start notarizing. Mail your bond and completed oath to the Secretary of State office:
Notaries & Commissions Unit
James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center
PO Box 784
Jefferson City, MO 65102
After mailing your bond and oath to the Secretary of State's office, the documents will be processed. By law, we are not permitted to complete your order until your name is on the state's notary search website. Once approved, you will receive your official notary commission, which allows you to begin your notary duties!
Ready to join the ranks of Missouri's trusted notaries? Our Missouri Notary Package is designed to streamline each step in the notarization process. It includes all the essential supplies and takes care of the application for you.
If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. Your journey to becoming a notary starts here!
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