Missouri Notary Guide
How to Become a Notary Public in Missouri
This guide covers all requirements, costs, timelines, eligibility criteria, and optional Remote Online Notary (RON) registration.
Steps to Becoming a Notary Public in Missouri
- Meet eligibility requirements
- Complete an approved notary education course and exam
- Submit the application with a $15 filing fee
- Obtain a $10,000 surety bond
- Receive your commission certificate
- Purchase your notary seal and journal
- Optionally register as a Remote Online Notary (RON)
- Renew every four years
Become a Missouri Notary
Get started as a Notary Public today!
Missouri Notary Public Process
Standard notary commissions last four years.
Applicants must complete approved training, pass the exam, obtain a bond, and submit their application.
Notaries are authorized to perform acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and certified copies.
RON is optional and requires additional steps once commissioned.
Cost to Become a Notary in Missouri
The total cost varies based on required and optional supplies. Below is a cost breakdown:
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $15 | Paid upon submission of application |
| Notary Education & Exam | $30–$50 | Mandatory for new applicants |
| $10,000 Surety Bond | $35–$60 | Required for the four-year commission |
| Notary Seal/Stamp | $15–$35 | Must include state-specific details |
| Notary Journal | $10–$50 | Required for official recordkeeping |
| Total Estimated Cost | $105–$210+ | Varies based on provider selection |
Missouri Commission Processing Time
Most applications are processed within 2–3 weeks of submission, assuming all documents are complete.
Missouri Notary Requirements
To qualify as a Notary Public in Missouri, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Missouri (or a bordering state employed in Missouri)
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Be able to read and write English
- Not have a felony conviction or prior notary commission revoked within the past 10 years
- Be of good moral character
Education & Exam
Mandatory approved notary education for new applicants
Pass the state exam after training
Skip training and exam if reapplying with an unexpired commission
Bond, Oath & Application
Purchase a $10,000 surety bond
- Complete the oath as part of the application
- Submit bond, oath, training certificate, and fee together
- Once approved, you’ll receive your commission certificate by mail or online
Missouri Notary Supplies
To perform notarizations in Missouri, Notaries need:
Notary Seal or Stamp – Seal must include your name, “Notary Public – State of Missouri,” county, commission number, and expiration date.
Notary Journal – Journal entries must include date, type of act, name of signer, type of ID, and fee taken.
Renewing a Missouri Notary Commission
Missouri notaries renew every four years:
- Reapply online or by mail
- Complete training and exam if commission has expired
- Purchase new bond and seal if commission number has changed
- Pay the $15 application fee
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Missouri
After becoming a commissioned notary, you can optionally register as a Remote Online Notary:
- Complete additional training specific to remote notarization
- Obtain access to an approved remote notarization platform
- Maintain electronic journal entries and digital notary seals
- Follow Missouri’s legal requirements for identity verification and record retention
Conclusion
Becoming a Notary Public in Missouri involves clear steps: eligibility verification, training, bonding, oath taking, and application submission. You’ll be fully capable of conducting official notarizations statewide and may optionally expand services with remote online notarization.