To ensure no loss of business opportunities, we recommend that Missouri notaries should start preparing for the commission renewal process at least six months before their commission expires.
Thankfully, there’s no reason to become overwhelmed! The renewal process is very similar to the initial application. The following steps provide all the information needed to safeguard income and maintain credentials.
Confirm that all prerequisite requirements are still met when renewing. State residents should make sure they still:
See the list of general requirements for nonresident requirements. Anyone planning on moving out of the state should review this list.
Renewal applicants must take the online or written training course no earlier than six weeks before their current commission expiration date.
Online training is also available on Notaries.com as part of the application process.
Existing notaries can apply for renewal either online or by mail. The application fee is payable by check, money order or credit card.
Once the Secretary of State approves the application, they will send a letter that explains how to obtain a commission certificate at a local county clerk's office.
For guidance throughout the process, refer to the Missouri Notary Public Handbook. Our customer support team is also available to answer questions.
Before they can offer any notarization services, applicants need to acquire a $10,000 surety bond. The state does not provide these bonds, so they must be obtained through a reputable bonding agency.
Fortunately, our comprehensive Missouri Notary Package includes the bond, along with other necessities, to save time and money.
Remember, a surety bond does not protect notaries; it protects the public from notarial mistakes. Notaries seeking renewed commissions who want extra protection should purchase errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
An E&O policy is a form of liability insurance that keeps a notary from paying out-of-pocket legal fees if a client files a claim against their bond. Learn more about how E&O insurance offers additional protection.
Before they receive their new commission, applicants must appear at their county clerk's office in person within 60 days of the Secretary of State accepting their application. They must present proof of their surety bond and take the oath of office.
The local clerk or deputy will then present the commission certificate. The notary's signature must match the name typed on the commission.
The notary must then mail the oath and bond to the Secretary of State’s Office within seven days of the date of the oath.
In addition to the surety bond, renewing Missouri notaries need a new seal and record-keeping journal. The seal must include the notary’s name as it appears on their commission, their commission number and the words “Notary Seal,” “Notary Public,” “State of Missouri” and “My commission expires (expiration date).”
For a convenient way to get everything at once, notaries should consider our Missouri Notary Package. It includes the state-required notary bond, filing fees, a customized self-inking stamp (in a choice of 10 colors) and a notary certificate suitable for framing.
Other supplies usually needed during a commission include a dictionary of legal terms, an embosser, gold labels and oath stamps. Browse our complete supplies specifically designed for notaries.
All Missouri notary commissions last for four years. Remember to start the process early to avoid delays and lost income.
Revised Statutes Chapter 486 defines every aspect of a notary’s responsibilities. It's important to understand the duties of a commission. The Missouri Notary Handbook also describes the contents of the law in a more digestible way.
Partially. Notaries can complete their renewal application online using the Secretary of State’s website. However, some aspects of the process, like qualifying, require an in-person visit to a county clerk's office.
