How to become a notary in Missouri: the official requirements
Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Missouri Secretary of State's own published requirements.
To become a notary public in Missouri: Who can apply: At least 18; living or regularly working in Missouri; residing legally in the United States; able to read and write English. Non-residents who work in Missouri can apply for a non-resident commission. Training: Attest that you have read the Missouri notary public handbook or completed training prescribed by the Secretary of State. Exam: Score 80% or better on an examination administered by the Secretary of State. Bond: A $10,000 surety bond covering the four-year term. Commission term: Four years; you reapply every four years. Commissions are issued by the Missouri Secretary of State.
Notary requirements in Missouri
| Requirement | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | At least 18; living or regularly working in Missouri; residing legally in the United States; able to read and write English. Non-residents who work in Missouri can apply for a non-resident commission. |
| Training | Attest that you have read the Missouri notary public handbook or completed training prescribed by the Secretary of State. |
| Exam | Score 80% or better on an examination administered by the Secretary of State. |
| Bond | A $10,000 surety bond covering the four-year term. |
| Commission term | Four years; you reapply every four years. |
| State fee | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Missouri Secretary of State. |
| Background check | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Missouri Secretary of State. |
| Oath and filing | Appear in person at your county clerk's office with the bond; the clerk administers the oath, and you mail the oath and bond to the Secretary of State postmarked within seven days. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.
How to apply in Missouri
- Take the online or written notary training course.
- Apply for a commission online or by mail.
- Buy a notary public surety bond.
- Qualify at your local county clerk's office.
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Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Every requirement on this page comes from the Missouri Secretary of State's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.
- Not legal advice.
- Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
- Missouri Secretary of State, How to Become a Notary, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
- Missouri Secretary of State, Notary Frequently Asked Questions, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
- Missouri Secretary of State, Qualifying at the County Clerk's Office, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.