How to Become a Notary in Missouri (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your Missouri notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official Missouri state sources.
How to Become a Notary in Missouri — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in Missouri, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of Missouri or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Complete the required education course
Missouri requires you to complete a state-approved notary education course before applying. Courses are available from approved providers and can typically be completed online. Fees vary by provider, usually $20–$80.
Pass the notary exam
Missouri requires all applicants to pass a written notary exam. Schedule your exam through the state or an approved testing provider. Study the Missouri notary handbook — available free from the Secretary of State.
Obtain your $10,000 surety bond
Missouri requires a $10,000 surety bond before you can be commissioned. Purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company — the actual premium typically costs $40–$100 for your entire 4-year term. The bond protects the public from errors you may make as a notary; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application to the Secretary of State
File your completed notary application with the Secretary of State and pay the $25 application fee. Include proof of your surety bond with the application. Include your certificate of course completion. Include your exam pass certificate. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — within 30–90 days. Missing this deadline can void your commission entirely.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official Missouri notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Secretary of State requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text. Supplies typically cost $30–$60. Estimated cost for Missouri: $45.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in Missouri. Traditional notary fees in Missouri: up to $5 per act (state-capped). Missouri also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), capped at $5 per act — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
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NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for Missouri. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
Missouri Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $25 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | $10,000 face value (~$40–$100 to purchase) |
| Exam | Required |
| Education course | Required |
| Notary supplies (stamp + journal) | ~$45 |
| Filing office | Secretary of State |
| RON available | Yes |
| Est. total startup cost | $110–$250 |
State-approved education course and exam required before commissioning.
Source: Secretary of State — Official Missouri Notary Page ↗
What Can a Missouri Notary Charge?
Missouri caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act. Remote online notarizations are capped at $5. $5 per act in-person; $5 + RON transaction fee for remote. Fee schedule must be displayed.
Source: Missouri Notary Fee Authority ↗
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a Missouri Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your Missouri notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.
Explore Notary Signing Agent Training →