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How to become a notary public in Missouri. Commission term: 4 years. Verified 2026-04-02. Data verified 2026-04-02. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Notary Public
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75% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
Yes
Education Required
online allowed
Yes
Exam Required
80%
$10,000
Bond Required
surety bond
You must be a legal resident of Missouri (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
Must read the Missouri Notary Public Handbook or receive training prescribed by the SOS. Online courses are accepted. Education cost: Free.
Must score 80% or better on an examination administered by the SOS. Passing score: 80%. Administered by: Missouri Secretary of State (online training/exam portal hosted at s1.sos.mo.gov).
Submit your application to the Missouri Secretary of State. Application fee: $25.
Obtain a $10,000 surety bond. $10,000 surety bond for 4-year term from a licensed Missouri surety. Must be executed within 60 days after application approval. Bond cost: $40-$70.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets Missouri requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $85-$135.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 4 years. You can then begin performing notarial acts in Missouri. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a Missouri resident or have a regular place of work/business in Missouri.
Citizenship
Must reside legally in the U.S.
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
RequiredMust read the Missouri Notary Public Handbook or receive training prescribed by the SOS.
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
RequiredMust score 80% or better on an examination administered by the SOS.
Passing score: 80%
Administered by: Missouri Secretary of State (online training/exam portal hosted at s1.sos.mo.gov)
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Surety Bond
Required$10,000
$10,000 surety bond for 4-year term from a licensed Missouri surety. Must be executed within 60 days after application approval.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary seal/stamp required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $25 |
Bond Premium Approximate premium for $10,000 bond | $40-$70 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Education Course SOS handbook is free; exam is part of application | Free |
Total Estimated Cost Application + bond + seal | $85-$135 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Read the Missouri Notary Public Handbook
Pass the SOS exam with 80%+ score
Submit application with $25 fee
Obtain $10,000 surety bond within 60 days of approval
Receive commission
Purchase notary seal/stamp
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Must pass exam again and submit new application with bond.
Renewal Fee
$25
Regulatory Board
Missouri authorizes remote online notarization.
Additional Requirements
Must comply with Missouri's RON requirements.
What Makes Missouri Unique
Missouri requires reading the official handbook and passing an 80% SOS exam. The handbook is free.
Missouri requires reading the handbook and passing an 80% exam.
Bond must be executed within 60 days of application approval.
The handbook is free from the SOS.
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Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
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