How to Become a Notary Public in Missouri

These are the general steps to get a Notary Public Commission in most Missouri counties:

• Take a Notary training course from a state-approved provider.

• Pass the state-required exam.

• Take your oath of office and get your affirmation notarized.

• Submit your application with a copy of your ID card, training certificate, exam certificate, and the $10 filing fee. Include the original notarized affirmation, too.

• You will receive your commission, Notary ID, and password through email.

• Present these items to an approved Notary stamp vendor (or online notary vendor). You may need to print your commission for local stamp vendors.

• Obtain E&O insurance (optional but highly recommended)

After obtaining your stamp and notary journal, you should be ready to start notarizing in the state of Missouri.

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Missouri Notary Public Requirements

Those wishing to become Notary Publics in Missouri must fulfill the following requirements:

• You must be 18 years of age or older.

• An applicant must be either a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or legally present in the United States.

• Must either live in Missouri or have a job in the state.

• You must be able to read and write in the English language.

• Can not be convicted of a felony or the unauthorized practice of law.

• Has not been convicted of a dishonesty-related misdemeanor in the last five years.

• Must not have ever been found guilty of fraud, dishonesty, or deceit.

• No Notary Public Commission in another state has been revoked, denied, or suspended.

You will need to show the Secretary of State one of eight forms of identification or an affidavit proving you live legally in the U.S. The requirement will take effect on July 1, 2022.

What Does It Cost to Become a Notary Public in Missouri?

The initial fee for applying for a Notary Public commission in Missouri is $10. However, be prepared for additional expenses for training, Notary supplies, and optional insurance, which vary by provider. New Notaries often incur higher costs due to the need for comprehensive training materials and support services. In contrast, renewing Notaries might not need as extensive resources.

Notary Supplies:

Required supplies include a rubber stamp, ink seal, and a journal for paper-based notarizations. The stamp must feature your name as it appears on your commission certificate, “Notary Public,” “State of Missouri,” your Notary ID number, and your commission expiration date, all within a rectangular border. Your journal should be permanent, with numbered pages or a tamper-evident digital format. Essential features, such as tamper-proof sewn construction, help identify missing pages and offer protection in legal situations. Ensure these tools are securely stored and accessible only to you.

Are Missouri Notaries required to have a Surety Bond and Insurance?

Missouri does not require Notaries to have a surety bond. However, investing in errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is advisable. Although not mandatory, E&O insurance protects against potential legal expenses and damages, covering legal fees and settlements up to the policy’s limit if you’re sued for a mistake or a false claim.

Missouri Notary FAQ’s

Which state office manages Notaries in Missouri?

The Notary Program within the Business and Licensing Division of the Missouri Secretary of State, located in Denver, oversees the issuance of Notary Public commissions.

Where is Notarization allowed in Missouri?

Authorized Notaries in Missouri have the jurisdiction to conduct notarizations across the entire state.

Who can Missouri Notaries assist?

Any member of the public may use the services of a Missouri Notary as long as the notarial act follows the state’s laws. You cannot have your signature, or those of immediate family members ,notarized, nor can you notarize any documents that could benefit you or them.

Which fees can Missouri Notaries ask for?

In Missouri, the fee for a standard notarization cannot exceed $15, and the cost of notarizing electronic documents cannot exceed $25.

Can I change my name or relocate and still be considered part of the family?

If you change your name, address, or signature, update the Secretary of State within 30 days through your online account. If you move, you can print a new Notary Commission Certificate, but if your name has changed, submit a new ID and signature sample.

How can I renew my Notary commission?

The process for renewing your commission is the same as when you first applied, and you can do it online up to 90 days before your current commission ends.

Is it Legal to Use an Online Notary in Missouri?

Yes. Missouri is among the states where online Notarization is now legal. On December 31, 2020, Missouri made Online Notarization legal. Senate Bill 20-096 made online Notarization possible after many notaries in the state had been offering remote online Notarization under temporary permission during the previous year due to COVID-19.

Becoming an Online Notary in Missouri is a good way to earn some extra money. If you have the proper training and credentials, you can start your Online Notary work in Missouri right away.

What Are The Reasons For Becoming An Online Notary In Missouri

Being an online notary in Missouri allows you to provide clients with easy and safe services. For some, it’s an ideal job because you can organize your schedule. Many people rely on online notaries because they can meet and complete transactions from anywhere without being present.

It’s also the right time because over 1.25 billion notarizations occur in the U.S. each year, and an increasing number of these are being conducted online.

How Do You Become An Online Notary In Missouri?

If you are trying to become a Missouri Online Notary, you need to follow these steps.

• Have an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.

• Complete a RON training course from the Missouri Secretary of State.

• Pass the Missouri exam.

• Sign up with an approved RON technology provider.

• Log in to your Notary account on the Missouri Secretary of State website.

• Complete the application form.

• Upload proof of your training and exam completion. 

• Pay the required fee. 

For any confusion in the process, we recommend joining the BlueNotary Mastermind Facebook Group, full of notaries from each state who have been through the exact state processes and can help guide you along the way.

What Steps Should You Take To Remain Compliant With Missouri Laws?

To remain compliant with Missouri laws, online notaries must take the following steps:

• Keep up-to-date records of all your remote notarizations.

• Verify the identity of each signer using an approved identification method such as a driver’s license or passport.

• Maintain a physical presence in the state of Missouri during remote notarial acts.

• Maintain a secure environment for digital documents.

• Keep your Notary commission active and in good standing.

• Stay up-to-date on your continuing education requirements. Follow the guidelines and processes set out by your chosen RON vendor.

Can I perform an online notarization in Missouri?

Yes, you can do an online notary in Missouri. To become an online notary, you need to meet the state requirements for certification and have a commission from Missouri. You can also join the BlueNotary Notary Mastermind Group 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 guide you through working with your SOS.

As an online notary, you get to decide which service provider to use for finding clients. Blue Notary is the best option as we make it super easy for you to onboard and start notarizing documents online. We offer training videos, a signing simulator, and the ability to test with a friend to help you become comfortable with the process.

Enter the BlueNotary App