For Notaries · Missouri

How to Become a Notary in Missouri

To become a notary public in Missouri, you must be at least 18, able to read and write English, and live or work in the state with no disqualifying convictions. Read the state handbook, pass the Secretary of State's exam, buy a $10,000 surety bond, and file the $25 application. Commissions run four years.

Earn as a remote online notary See the steps

Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary

Missouri is one of the states that makes you pass a test. Before the Secretary of State will commission you, you must read the Missouri Notary Public Handbook (or complete approved training) and score at least 80% on a notary examination. From there the path is straightforward: obtain a $10,000 surety bond, submit a $25 application through the SOS Notary Portal, and appear at your county clerk's office to take the oath and file your bond. Commissions last four years, and once you are commissioned you can also register as an electronic (remote online) notary and notarize for signers located anywhere in the country.

Missouri Notary Requirements at a Glance

Eligibility You must be at least 18 years old, able to read and write English, and either a Missouri resident or a non-resident who is employed or maintains a business in Missouri (commissioned in the county of residence or business). You cannot have had a notary commission revoked within the past five years, and you cannot have a felony conviction or a conviction for a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude within the past five years.
Surety bond $10,000 surety bond, executed by a Missouri-licensed surety company for the full four-year commission term. The bond is filed with your county clerk when you qualify, which must happen within 60 days after the Secretary of State approves your application. The bond protects the public, not you, so many notaries also carry separate errors-and-omissions coverage.
State filing fee $25 total ($15 commission fee plus a $10 technology-fund fee)
Commission term 4 years
Notary education Required attestation. You must read the Missouri Notary Public Handbook or complete state-approved notary training before applying; there is no fixed classroom-hour mandate.
Exam Required. Applicants must score at least 80% on an examination administered by the Secretary of State before a commission is issued.

Missouri notary applicants must score at least 80% on an examination administered by the Secretary of State before a commission is issued. — Missouri Secretary of State — Notary Public FAQ

How to Become a Notary in Missouri: Step by Step

  1. 1

    Confirm you're eligible

    Verify you are at least 18, can read and write English, and either live in Missouri or work/run a business there, with no notary commission revoked in the past five years and no disqualifying felony or dishonesty conviction in the past five years.

  2. 2

    Read the handbook and pass the exam

    Read the Missouri Notary Public Handbook (or complete state-approved training), then score at least 80% on the notary examination administered by the Secretary of State. Missouri will not commission you until you pass.

  3. 3

    Submit your application and $25 fee

    File your Application for Commission as a Notary Public through the Missouri SOS Notary Portal and pay the $25 fee, which is a $15 commission fee plus a $10 technology-fund fee.

  4. 4

    Obtain your $10,000 surety bond

    Purchase a $10,000 notary surety bond from a company licensed in Missouri, covering the full four-year term. The premium is set by the bonding company.

  5. 5

    Qualify at your county clerk within 60 days

    After the Secretary of State approves you, appear in person at your county clerk's office within 60 days to take the oath of office and file your bond. You then receive your four-year commission; order your seal and journal and begin notarizing.

How to Become an Online (Remote) Notary in Missouri

Missouri authorizes remote online notarization under the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RSMo Chapter 486). After you hold a Missouri notary commission, you register as an electronic (remote online) notary with the Secretary of State, complete an approved RON training program and examination, and use approved audio-visual technology plus tamper-evident electronic tools. Once authorized, you may notarize for signers located anywhere in the United States.

Online / remote notary application fee: There is no online-only barrier beyond first holding a Missouri commission. Register as an electronic notary through the Secretary of State after you are commissioned (additional training and exam required). Third-party guides report a separate registration fee, but confirm the current figure directly with the Missouri SOS before relying on it.

Operative statewide. Permanent electronic and remote online notarization authority was enacted through SB 655 (RSMo Chapter 486); remote online notaries register directly through the Missouri Secretary of State.

See how RON is authorized in Missouri — and state by state →

Walk through the Missouri remote online notarization process →

Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Missouri

Missouri allows remote online notarization, so once you hold a Missouri commission you can register to notarize for signers who appear over live video — and take on assigned online signings.

Traditional (in-person) notary Remote online notary (RON)
How the signer appearsIn person, in the same roomOver a live, recorded audio-video call
Available in Missouri?YesAvailable now — register once commissioned
What you needSeal and journalAn approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and a digital certificate
Where the work comes fromLocal, walk-in and mobile appointmentsNationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary

What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Missouri?

Item Cost
State application fee $25 ($15 commission + $10 technology fund)
$10,000 surety bond Premium set by the bonding company
Notary handbook & exam Handbook free; approved training varies by provider
Seal/stamp & journal Varies by supplier
Electronic (remote online) notary registration Filed with the SOS after commissioning; confirm current fee

See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.

Turn Your Missouri Commission Into Income

Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with assigned, paid remote signings — so your commission actually earns. Learn how Missouri notaries earn, check the platform requirements for Missouri notaries, and browse become-a-notary guides for other states.

Join USA Notary as a notary

Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a Notary in Other States

Requirements differ by state — here are nearby West North Central guides and other popular states. See the full 50-state directory.

How to Become a Notary in Kansas How to Become a Notary in Texas How to Become a Notary in Florida How to Become a Notary in California How to Become a Notary in Georgia How to Become a Notary in New York How to Become a Notary in Ohio How to Become a Notary in Illinois
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About the author

Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC

CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC

Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.

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Official sources

This guide summarizes public requirements from Missouri's notary authority and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with your state before applying.