Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
$10,000
Application Fee
$25
Issuing Authority
Missouri Secretary of State
Journal
Required
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Missouri distinctive
- Missouri does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Missouri 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
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
Missouri does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- Marriage Solemnization AUTHORIZED - One of few states where notaries can perform marriage ceremonies; requires valid license, 2 witnesses, pronouncement of marriage, record-keeping, return license within 10 days
- Mandatory Journal for ALL Notaries - Journal required for ALL notarizations (not just RON or when fees charged); chronological, permanently bound, pre-numbered pages; only ONE active journal at a time; 10-year retention
- Black Ink Rubber Stamp Required - Specific color requirement (black ink); rubber stamp format mandatory; text at least 8-point type
- RON Since August 2020 - Remote online notarization permanently authorized; no temporary emergency period
- RON Recording Mandatory - Must record entire RON session audio/video; 10-year retention; no exceptions
Regulatory Authority
Missouri 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.
RSMo § 486.600
Definitions
RSMo § 486.640
Notarial acts which may be performed
RSMo § 486.645
Limitation on notarial acts, principal requirements - disqualification of notary
RSMo § 486.650
Notarial certificate
RSMo § 486.685
Fees for notarial acts
RSMo § 486.735
Notary seal requirements
RSMo §§ 486.1100-486.1205
Remote Online Notarization (RON) and Electronic Notarization
RSMo § 486.1145
RON Identity Verification
RSMo § 451.100
Marriage ceremonies - who may perform
RSMo § 451.110
Marriage solemnization - penalties
15 CSR 30-110
Remote Online Notarization Credentials
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Missouri?
A Missouri notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Missouri Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Missouri?
Missouri charges $25 as the application fee to the Missouri Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Missouri require a notary bond?
Yes. Missouri requires a notary surety bond of $10,000. 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 Missouri?
Yes. Missouri requires a notary journal for every official act. The journal is a permanent record subject to inspection by the Missouri Secretary of State - Notary Division and must be retained for the period specified in state law.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri 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 Missouri Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Missouri notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Missouri 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 Missouri Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Missouri notaries use?
Missouri notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Missouri cap notary fees?
Yes. Missouri sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum $5.00 per signature for standard notarial acts; certified copy $1.00 per page with $3.00 minimum; no fee for absentee ballots/registration; RON: $5.00 for notarial act plus reasonable agreed technology fee; marriage ceremonies: reasonable fee allowed (no statutory cap); notary may charge less or nothing
Who regulates notaries in Missouri?
Missouri notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Missouri Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Can Missouri notaries solemnize marriages?
Yes. Missouri is one of a small number of states that authorize notaries public to solemnize marriages. The exact ceremony format and recordkeeping requirements are governed by both notary law and family law in the state — consult both before officiating.
Does Missouri authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Missouri authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Missouri notaries perform?
Missouri notaries are authorized to perform 12 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 Missouri?
Start your application through the Missouri Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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