How to Become a Notary Public in Missouri
Embarking on the journey to become a Notary Public in Missouri requires adherence to a structured series of steps, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the responsibilities that lie ahead. This guide outlines the process:
- Ensure You Meet Missouri’s Requirements: Start by confirming that you meet all the necessary qualifications set forth by the state.
- Educate Yourself: Obtain a copy of the Missouri Notary Public Handbook. Following this, enroll in and complete a state-approved Notary training course to deepen your understanding of the role’s requirements.
- Pass the Notary Exam: Successfully complete the Notary examination to demonstrate your knowledge and readiness for the role.
- Application Submission: Fill out the Application for Commission as a Notary Public, which can be done either online or via mail, based on your preference.
- Fee and Documentation Submission: Send your completed application, the certificate of completion from your Notary training, and the required $25 fee to the Secretary of State. Upon processing, your commission will be forwarded to your local county clerk’s office.
- Secure a Surety Bond: Obtain a surety bond valued at $10,000, which serves as a financial guarantee of your compliance with Notary regulations.
- Official Commissioning: After receiving notification from the county clerk, you must present yourself in person to file your bond and swear your oath of office within a 60-day window.
- Finalize Your Commission: Within seven days following your oath, you need to mail documentation of your bond, oath of office, and a specimen of your signature back to the Secretary of State.
- Acquire Notary Supplies: Purchase the necessary tools for your Notary duties, which include your official Notary seal and a journal to record your notarial acts.
- Consider E&O Insurance: While optional, Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is highly recommended to protect against potential liabilities encountered in your Notary practices.
By methodically following these steps, you’ll position yourself to effectively serve as a Notary Public in Missouri, contributing to the integrity and reliability of important documents and transactions.
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Missouri Notary Public Requirements
To qualify as a Notary Public in Missouri, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a permanent U.S. resident alien.
- Reside or work in the county of application in Missouri.
- Possess the ability to read and write in English.
- Have no felony convictions.
These criteria ensure applicants are prepared and trustworthy for the role.
What training is necessary to become a Notary in Missouri?
Before applying, you need to thoroughly read the Missouri Notary Public Handbook and complete a Notary training course, which is available in both online and print formats. This ensures you’re well-versed in the responsibilities and laws governing notaries in Missouri.
Is there an exam requirement for Notary applicants in Missouri?
Yes, all Notary applicants are required to take and successfully pass an exam with a score of at least 80%. This exam assesses your knowledge and readiness to perform notarial acts according to state laws.
What supplies do I need as a Missouri Notary?
Missouri Notaries are required to use an engraved embosser or a black-ink rubber stamp seal for paper documents. The seal must include your commissioned name, “Notary Seal,” “Notary Public,” “State of Missouri,” your commission number, and optionally, your commission expiration date and county of commission. All information must be legible in print of at least eight-point type and enclosed within a border no larger than 1/16″. You’ll also need a permanently bound journal with numbered pages for recording all notarial acts, as simple notebooks or glue-bound journals are not permitted.
Why do I need a surety bond in Missouri, and what does it cover?
Within 45 days of receiving your commission, you’re required to obtain a $10,000 surety bond from an authorized company. This bond is a financial safeguard for the public, protecting them against any financial losses due to your negligence or misconduct as a Notary. It’s important to note that this bond protects the public, not the Notary. If the bond is used to settle claims, you must reimburse the surety company for the amount expended.
Should I consider getting errors and omissions insurance?
While not required by law, obtaining an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is highly recommended for additional protection. An E&O policy covers your legal fees and any damages up to the policy limit, providing a safety net against potential legal challenges and financial liabilities.
Missouri Notary Public FAQ’s
Which Missouri office oversees Notary Public services?
The Commissions Division of the Missouri Office of Secretary of State, located in Jefferson City, MO, is responsible for overseeing Notaries in the state.
Can non-U.S. citizens become Notaries in Missouri?
Yes, you don’t need to be a U.S. citizen to be commissioned as a Notary Public in Missouri. However, you must be a legal resident of Missouri and fulfill the other application criteria.
Is it possible to become a Notary in Missouri if I work there but live in another state?
Yes, if you are a resident of a different U.S. state but work in Missouri, you can apply for a Notary commission. You must have a Missouri work address in the county where you’re seeking commissioning and agree to allow the Missouri Secretary of State to accept legal notifications on your behalf.
Where am I allowed to perform notarizations in Missouri?
As a Missouri Notary, you are authorized to perform notarizations throughout the state.
Whose documents can I notarize?
You can provide notarization services for any member of the public, except for your own signature or those of your immediate family, including in-laws, step-relatives, and half-relatives.
What fees can I charge as a Missouri Notary?
Missouri permits Notaries to charge up to $5 for standard notarial acts and $1 per page for certified copies. You may also charge for travel, with prior agreement from the signer. If charging fees, you must publicly display your fee schedule.
What should I do if my address or name changes?
Notify the Secretary of State within 10 days of any address or name changes, including the necessary documentation and a $5 fee. For address changes, cease notarial acts until receiving SOS confirmation and informing your surety in writing. For name changes due to marriage or court order, continue using your former name until you’ve received SOS confirmation, obtained a new seal, and notified your surety.
How do I renew my Notary commission in Missouri?
Missouri doesn’t offer a renewal process per se. You must reapply as if it were your first commission, starting six weeks before your current one expires.
What should I know about remote online notarization (RON) in Missouri?
Since August 28, 2020, Missouri has allowed remote online notarizations. A step-by-step guide is available for those interested in becoming remote online Notaries, along with resources for understanding more about Notary roles and responsibilities.
Why Should You Consider Becoming An Online Notary In Missouri?
Becoming an online notary in Missouri offers a lot of advantages. By becoming an online notary, you can provide your services from the comfort of your own home or office. You also have the ability to work with clients from all over the world, allowing you to expand your business opportunities. Additionally, as an online notary in Missouri, you can charge a fee for notarizing documents, which can help to increase your income.
Are Online Notaries Legal To Work in Missouri?
Yes, online notaries are legal to work in Missouri. In order to become an online notary, you must meet the state requirements for certification and obtain a commission from the governor of Missouri. The Commissioning Office/Secretary of State will provide you with all of the necessary documents that need to be signed in order to become an online notary.
What Are The Requirements To Become An Online Notary In Missouri?
In order to become an online notary in Missouri, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Missouri.
- You must possess a valid driver’s license issued by any state or territory of the United States.
- You must successfully complete a notary public training program approved by the Missouri Secretary of State.
- You must complete an application form for a commission and submit it to the Commissioning Office/Secretary of State with all required documentation, including your liability insurance policy and bond.
- You must pass the state’s online notary exam.
- You must pay the required application fee.
- You must purchase a notary seal, which must be registered with the Secretary of State.
Once you fulfill all of these requirements, you will receive your commission and can begin to practice as an online notary in Missouri. You may also have to renew your notary commission every four years.
What to Expect From the Job?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally the busiest times for notaries are during tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services.
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly completed and witnessed and ensuring they contain all of the necessary information. Additionally, the most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling.
How Much Can You Expect To Make?
When you create an account with Blue Notary to get started, you can expect to earn around $25 for online notarizations. As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to earn even more by taking on loan signing packages. Thus, you will be able to earn a very decent income – all from the comfort of your home office.
BlueNotary also has the option for you to Invoice Your Clients Outside of BlueNotary at your rates at a cost of just $3 per notarization for their Pro-Hybrid members. This makes your earnings very flexible depending on your ability to build a network.
Can I do Online Notary?
Yes, you can do online notary in Missouri. In order to become an online notary, you just need to meet the state requirements for certification and obtain a commission from the governor of Missouri. You can also join the BlueNotary Free Notary Training Group in order to get advice from Missouri notaries who have already been through the process and will share exactly what you need to do. They’ll help make sure you are compliant with your SOS. Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community.
As an online notary, you get to decide which service provider to use for clients. Blue Notary is the best option as we make it super easy for you to onboard and start notarizing documents online. We have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process.
