How to Become a Notary Public in Mississippi
Mississippi residents can become a Notary Public by taking the following steps:
- File the official Mississippi Notary application form, which should be acknowledged by another notary.
- Deliver the filled application along with a $25 filing fee to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office.
- On approval, you will receive the pre-commission certificate via email.
- Obtain a $5,000 surety bond to fulfill your notary public duties.
- Return the completed bond and oath form to the Secretary of State within 60 days.
- Once commissioned, you’ll receive your official certificate electronically, but you need to purchase a notary seal.
- Consider acquiring Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance for added financial protection.
- Participate in continuing education courses offered by reputable associations like the BlueNotary Academy to stay updated on notary public procedures and best practices.
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What are the Requirements to Become a Notary in Mississippi?
The state of Mississippi sets the requirements for the person who wants to become a Notary Public. To ensure your eligibility, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 and older.
- Hold citizenship in the U.S. or have a permanent residence permit.
- Keep a residence in Mississippi and in the current county for at least 30 days before submitting the application.
- Prove that you are capable of reading and writing in English.
- Without a criminal history of serving a sentence, probation, or parole.
- Have no prior disciplinary actions against your Notary Public Commission in Mississippi or any other state, including revocation, suspension, restriction, denial, or findings of official misconduct, misfeasance, or malfeasance.
These prerequisites serve as a basis for your sincere consideration for the Mississippi Notary Public application process.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary Public in Mississippi?
There are several associated costs when becoming a Mississippi Notary Public. The state itself charges a filing fee of $25. Beyond that, the price varies depending on the vendor you select for your notary seal and surety bond. Renewal commissions may also differ slightly in cost compared to new commissions.
A significant factor influencing the overall cost is the level of service and support offered by the vendor. New notaries may require more resources than experienced ones. This can include training manuals, educational courses, or even live expert assistance. Some vendors may bundle these extras into their packages, leading to a higher overall price. Be cautious of processing fees that some vendors may add on.
Training can be a crucial element, especially for new notaries. The quality of the educational content can vary greatly between providers. Ideally, choose a vendor who offers their own notary courses developed by in-house experts. Not all vendors can provide this level of support.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Notary in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Secretary of State estimates the commissioning process to be relatively swift, taking approximately one week to complete. This timeframe assumes a smooth application process without any delays.
Do I need Training to Become a Notary in Mississippi?
In contrast to some other states, Mississippi does not order any particular formal training or examination for people who are planning to become Notary Publics. However, it is strongly suggested, particularly for rookies, to invest in educational materials to attain a successful and lawful profession as a Notary Public.
How Long is a Notary Commission Valid in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Notary Public Commission for a term of 4 years is valid for a given period of 3 months. Please remember to renew your commission prior to the expiration date in order to maintain the continuity of service as a notary in full capacity.
What Supplies Do Mississippi Notaries Need?
Every Mississippi Notary Public requires a specific set of tools to perform their duties effectively. These essential supplies include a Notary seal and journal, each with crucial features to ensure proper documentation and legal compliance.
The Notary Seal must be an inked stamp capable of being reproduced on documents. Legally mandated information on the seal includes your name, jurisdiction, commission expiration date, and any additional details required by the Mississippi Secretary of State (SOS).
The Notary Journal is mandated by law. You must maintain a journal with numbered pages and tamper-proof sewn construction. This design helps identify missing pages, a crucial safeguard in case of a lawsuit. Standard notebooks or glue-bound journals lack this level of security.
What About Bonds or Insurance for Mississippi Notaries?
You must have a $5,000 four-year surety bond as assurance you will faithfully and efficiently perform your duties according to the law. If you damage someone’s finances due to your acts as a notary public, surety company will cover the damages up to bond amount.
Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance is optional but recommended. This policy covers you financially while you are the subject of a lawsuit based on your wrong acts or omissions in the execution of your notary duties. However, E&O insurance is not a mandatory requirement as per the state. Nonetheless, the coverage offers mental comfort.
Mississippi Notary Public FAQs
Who Oversees Notaries in Mississippi?
The application procedure for a licensed notary public in Mississippi is managed by the Secretary of State’s office, which is in the state’s capital city of Jackson. This office controls a registry of all the notaries it approves. While it is the Governor who decides on notary appointment, the Secretary of State is in charge of the applications and commissioning stage.
Although Mississippi does not require training, where can I get it?
Mississippi doesn’t mandate formal training for Notary Public. However, if you’re interested in acquiring knowledge before embarking on your notary career, you have options:
A simple web search will yield numerous reputable Notary Public training providers. These providers offer educational courses designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge of Mississippi notary laws, procedures, and best practices.
Explore resources available online or in libraries. While not a substitute for structured training, these resources can provide a basic understanding of notary duties.
Can I become a Mississippi Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
To become a Notary of Mississippi, you must be a U.S. Citizen. One of the key eligibility conditions for M.S. notaries is that they need to be either inhabitants of the U.S. or legal permanent residents. This makes sure the notaries have self-ownership in preserving the existing laws and regulations of their country.
Where will I be able to notarize?
Your commission as the Mississippi Notary Public gives you the license to be notarial within Mississippi’s geographic bounds. This simply means that you can become a notary anywhere in the state, irrespective of county or city.
Who can I notarize for?
Mississippi Notaries Public have limitations on who they can serve. You cannot notarize for yourself, close relatives (spouse, ancestors, descendants, siblings), or anyone sharing your residence. Employer restrictions may also apply during work hours. This impartiality ensures notarized documents remain valid and conflict-free.
How much can I charge for my notary services?
Mississippi limits Notary Public fees. You can charge a maximum of $5 per notarization act. Travel fees are allowed, but only with the signer’s advance consent and clear understanding it’s separate from the $5 service charge. To ensure transparency, display an English fee schedule at your business or present it to clients outside your office.
Is Online Notary Legal in Mississippi?
Since April 2020, remote online notarization has been permitted under M.S. Executive Order No. 1467. Notaries in Mississippi who wish to provide remote notary services must both have a regular notary commission and inform the Secretary of State of their desire.
What happens if I move or change my name after becoming a Notary?
Mississippi notaries must inform the Secretary of State within 30 days of an address or name change. Report address changes with a $20 fee using the “Application for Notary Public Change of Address” form. Name changes are required for the Application for Notary Public Change of Name form. You can temporarily use your former name until the replacement commission arrives.
What’s the potential legal risk involved in being a Notary Public?
Legal risk for Mississippi Notaries Public varies. Mistakes, even unintentional ones, can lead to lawsuits. These can be expensive, even if you win. Minimize risk by following notary laws meticulously, keeping good records, and considering E&O insurance (optional but recommended). Careful practice is key to protecting yourself from potential legal issues.
How do I renew my Mississippi Notary Public Commission?
Renewing your Mississippi Notary Public Commission mirrors the initial application process. Begin at least 90 days before your current term ends to avoid a lapse in service. Complete the renewal application, ensure your surety bond is valid, submit the oath of office form, and pay the $25 filing fee. Consider purchasing a new seal reflecting your updated expiration date and a fresh notary journal if needed. Optional E&O insurance is recommended for additional protection. This streamlined process ensures a timely renewal of your notary commission.
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