Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
$5,000
Application Fee
$25
Issuing Authority
Mississippi Secretary of State
Journal
Required
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Mississippi distinctive
- Mississippi does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Mississippi requires a notary journal for every official act — only 17 of 50 states do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
Mississippi does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- MANDATORY journal for ALL notarizations (stricter than most states where journal is optional)
- 10-year journal retention (longer than typical 5-year requirement)
- NO RON/IPEN authorized - Mississippi has not adopted electronic notarization legislation
- Physical presence REQUIRED for all notarizations (no remote options)
- NO credible witness method (only personal knowledge or government ID)
Regulatory Authority
Mississippi Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-33-1 et seq.
Primary Notary Statute
Statutory authority for acknowledgment, affidavit, deposition, jurat, oath/affirmation, protest, and witnessing in Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-33-3
Notary Authority — acknowledgment
Statutory authority for acknowledgment in Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 93-1-19
Marriage Solemnization
Statutory authority for marriage solemnization in Mississippi.
Miss. UCC
UCC — Notice of Dishonor (Protests)
Statutory authority for protest in Mississippi.
Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure
Deposition Court Rules
Statutory authority for deposition in Mississippi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Mississippi?
A Mississippi notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Mississippi Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Mississippi?
Mississippi charges $25 as the application fee to the Mississippi Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Mississippi require a notary bond?
Yes. Mississippi requires a notary surety bond of $5,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; it is purchased from a licensed surety company, not the state.
Is a notary journal required in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi requires a notary journal for every official act. The journal is a permanent record subject to inspection by the Mississippi Secretary of State - Notary Division and must be retained for the period specified in state law.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Mississippi Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Mississippi notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Mississippi does not currently authorize remote online notarization. In-person notarization remains the only recognized method, though state law in this area changes rapidly — verify with the Mississippi Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Mississippi notaries use?
Mississippi notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge and Government-Issued ID. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Mississippi cap notary fees?
Yes. Mississippi sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Statutory maximum of $5.00 per notarial act; charging more is prohibited
Who regulates notaries in Mississippi?
Mississippi notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Mississippi Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
What notarial acts can Mississippi notaries perform?
Mississippi notaries are authorized to perform 7 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Mississippi?
Start your application through the Mississippi Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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Notary Acknowledgments: 50-State Guide
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Step-by-step notarization guides with legal citations, fee schedules, and certificate templates.
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