How to become a notary in Missouri
Notaries in Missouri are commissioned by the Missouri Secretary of State, Commissions Division (oath at county clerk). Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in Missouri?
- At least 18 years old
- Live in Missouri or have a regular place of work or business there (non-residents must work in Missouri and use the seal at that job)
- Legally reside in the United States
- Read and write English
- No commission revoked in any state in the past 5 years
- No felony or offense involving dishonesty or moral turpitude in the past 5 years
What are the Missouri notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | Missouri Secretary of State, Commissions Division (oath at county clerk) |
|---|---|
| Training required | Yes. Applicants must attest to reading the Missouri Notary Public Handbook or completing state training (online or written course). |
| Exam required | Yes. Applicants must score 80% or better on the Secretary of State's exam before a commission is issued; the online training course serves as the exam. |
| Surety bond | $10,000 |
| Application fee | $25 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Remote online notarization | Yes: commissioned notaries may register as electronic/remote notaries (RSMo 486.1100-1205) by completing an online registration and training course and selecting approved software. |
Steps to become a notary in Missouri
- Read the Missouri Notary Public Handbook
- Complete the online or written training course and exam (80% to pass)
- Apply online or mail Form Comm. 51 (resident) or Comm. 53 (non-resident) with the $25 fee
- Buy a $10,000 four-year surety bond
- Within 60 days of approval, appear at your county clerk's office with the commission letter, bond and photo ID to take the oath
- Mail the oath and bond to the Secretary of State within 7 days
Apply on the official Missouri site
How do you find a notary in Missouri?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official Missouri notary lookup.