Missouri Notary Public — Requirements & Free Practice

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Electronic Notary Public

Additional registration to perform in-person electronic notarial acts on an underlying Missouri notary commission.

Licensing authority: Missouri Secretary of State · Application information

Initial electronic registration

All of the following:

Missouri Notary Public Written Examination
Electronic Notary Online Training Course Examination (practice unavailable)

Course: Before initial registration complete the additional Secretary-approved course and pass its examination; this requirement is additional to ordinary notary commissioning training.
Registered examination evidence: Provide proof of successful completion of currently offered commissioning and electronic training examinations; passing before application remains a requirement leaf.
Registration: Electronically sign and submit the Secretary prescribed registration form, identifying the approved software and means for electronic signatures and seals, verification information and journal access instructions.
Registration delivery: The Secretary provides one Electronic Notary registration and scored Online Training Course; its information page describes remote services, and its guide page 3 permits selecting In-Person Electronic Notary Public only or approved remote software. This single offered course examination implements the electronic and remote registration requirements; no separate remote examination identity is asserted.
Registration term: Registration remains in effect while the underlying commission remains in effect, unless registration is terminated.
Underlying commission: Hold a Missouri notary public commission, or apply for one concurrently; initial commission and reappointment remain subject to RSMo 486.605, 486.615, 486.625 and 486.630.

Reregistration upon recommissioning — electronic registration

All of the following:

Missouri Notary Public Written Examination
Electronic Notary Online Training Course Examination (practice unavailable)

Course: Before initial registration complete the additional Secretary-approved course and pass its examination; this requirement is additional to ordinary notary commissioning training.
Recommissioning: Upon recommissioning, register again before performing the applicable electronic or remote online acts; initial additional training is not expressly repeated by the statute, but the registration form still requires proof of completion (RSMo 486.905.3 and 486.920).
Registered examination evidence: Provide proof of successful completion of currently offered commissioning and electronic training examinations; passing before application remains a requirement leaf.
Registration: Electronically sign and submit the Secretary prescribed registration form, identifying the approved software and means for electronic signatures and seals, verification information and journal access instructions.
Registration delivery: The Secretary provides one Electronic Notary registration and scored Online Training Course; its information page describes remote services, and its guide page 3 permits selecting In-Person Electronic Notary Public only or approved remote software. This single offered course examination implements the electronic and remote registration requirements; no separate remote examination identity is asserted.
Registration term: Registration remains in effect while the underlying commission remains in effect, unless registration is terminated.
Underlying commission: Hold a Missouri notary public commission, or apply for one concurrently; initial commission and reappointment remain subject to RSMo 486.605, 486.615, 486.625 and 486.630.

Notary Public

Four-year Missouri notary public commission, available to resident and qualifying nonresident applicants.

Licensing authority: Missouri Secretary of State · Application information

Initial commission — nonresident

Missouri Notary Public Written Examination

Application: Submit the prescribed complete application and sworn declaration, including addresses, employer, citizenship or lawful residency, and all specified commission, professional-license, criminal, bond and civil-liability history (RSMo 486.625 and 486.630.1-.2).
Application fee: Pay the nonrefundable $25 commission application fee (RSMo 486.630.5 and 28.160).
Commission term: Four years, subject to earlier resignation or revocation (RSMo 486.610).
Disqualification: RSMo 486.605.4 permits denial for material misstatements, specified criminal matters, deceit-based civil liability, commission or professional-license discipline, and official misconduct; the statute prohibits issuance within five years of specified conviction/plea or disciplinary action.
Handbook or training: Attest to reading the Missouri Notary Public Handbook or receiving Secretary-prescribed training (RSMo 486.630.3(1)); the Secretary instructs applicants to read the handbook and take online or written training.
Language: Read and write English (RSMo 486.605.2(4)).
Legal residence: Reside legally in the United States (RSMo 486.605.2(3)).
Minimum age: At least 18 years old (RSMo 486.605.2(1)).
Qualification: Present the oath of office and $10,000 bond from a licensed Missouri surety to the county clerk; take the oath within 60 days of commission issue and mail oath and bond with a postmark no more than seven days after the oath (RSMo 486.615 and 486.620).
Residency and employment: Live outside Missouri, work in Missouri, and use the notary seal in the course of Missouri employment; use the employer county as county of commission (RSMo 486.605.3 and official FAQ).
Service of process: Authorize the Secretary of State to accept service of process, notice or demand as the applicant agent and representative (RSMo 486.605.3(2)).

Initial commission — resident

Missouri Notary Public Written Examination

Application: Submit the prescribed complete application and sworn declaration, including addresses, employer, citizenship or lawful residency, and all specified commission, professional-license, criminal, bond and civil-liability history (RSMo 486.625 and 486.630.1-.2).
Application fee: Pay the nonrefundable $25 commission application fee (RSMo 486.630.5 and 28.160).
Commission term: Four years, subject to earlier resignation or revocation (RSMo 486.610).
Disqualification: RSMo 486.605.4 permits denial for material misstatements, specified criminal matters, deceit-based civil liability, commission or professional-license discipline, and official misconduct; the statute prohibits issuance within five years of specified conviction/plea or disciplinary action.
Handbook or training: Attest to reading the Missouri Notary Public Handbook or receiving Secretary-prescribed training (RSMo 486.630.3(1)); the Secretary instructs applicants to read the handbook and take online or written training.
Language: Read and write English (RSMo 486.605.2(4)).
Legal residence: Reside legally in the United States (RSMo 486.605.2(3)).
Minimum age: At least 18 years old (RSMo 486.605.2(1)).
Qualification: Present the oath of office and $10,000 bond from a licensed Missouri surety to the county clerk; take the oath within 60 days of commission issue and mail oath and bond with a postmark no more than seven days after the oath (RSMo 486.615 and 486.620).
Residency: Reside in Missouri; apply in the county of residence or regular place of work or business (RSMo 486.605 and 486.620).

New resident commission after holding a nonresident commission

Missouri Notary Public Written Examination

Application: Submit the prescribed complete application and sworn declaration, including addresses, employer, citizenship or lawful residency, and all specified commission, professional-license, criminal, bond and civil-liability history (RSMo 486.625 and 486.630.1-.2).
Application fee: Pay the nonrefundable $25 commission application fee (RSMo 486.630.5 and 28.160).
Commission term: Four years, subject to earlier resignation or revocation (RSMo 486.610).
Disqualification: RSMo 486.605.4 permits denial for material misstatements, specified criminal matters, deceit-based civil liability, commission or professional-license discipline, and official misconduct; the statute prohibits issuance within five years of specified conviction/plea or disciplinary action.
Handbook or training: Attest to reading the Missouri Notary Public Handbook or receiving Secretary-prescribed training (RSMo 486.630.3(1)); the Secretary instructs applicants to read the handbook and take online or written training.
Language: Read and write English (RSMo 486.605.2(4)).
Legal residence: Reside legally in the United States (RSMo 486.605.2(3)).
Minimum age: At least 18 years old (RSMo 486.605.2(1)).
Previous commission: Return the nonresident certificate and request resignation or cancellation, submit a completed resident application, proof of training and the $25 fee (Secretary handbook page 67).
Qualification: Present the oath of office and $10,000 bond from a licensed Missouri surety to the county clerk; take the oath within 60 days of commission issue and mail oath and bond with a postmark no more than seven days after the oath (RSMo 486.615 and 486.620).
Residency: Reside in Missouri; apply in the county of residence or regular place of work or business (RSMo 486.605 and 486.620).

New commission after failure to qualify within 60 days

Missouri Notary Public Written Examination

Application: Submit the prescribed complete application and sworn declaration, including addresses, employer, citizenship or lawful residency, and all specified commission, professional-license, criminal, bond and civil-liability history (RSMo 486.625 and 486.630.1-.2).
Application fee: Pay the nonrefundable $25 commission application fee (RSMo 486.630.5 and 28.160).
Commission term: Four years, subject to earlier resignation or revocation (RSMo 486.610).
Disqualification: RSMo 486.605.4 permits denial for material misstatements, specified criminal matters, deceit-based civil liability, commission or professional-license discipline, and official misconduct; the statute prohibits issuance within five years of specified conviction/plea or disciplinary action.
Handbook or training: Attest to reading the Missouri Notary Public Handbook or receiving Secretary-prescribed training (RSMo 486.630.3(1)); the Secretary instructs applicants to read the handbook and take online or written training.
Language: Read and write English (RSMo 486.605.2(4)).
Legal residence: Reside legally in the United States (RSMo 486.605.2(3)).
Minimum age: At least 18 years old (RSMo 486.605.2(1)).
Previous failure: The previous issued commission was not qualified within 60 days and was returned to the Secretary; the Secretary may require reapplication (RSMo 486.620.3-.4).
Qualification: Present the oath of office and $10,000 bond from a licensed Missouri surety to the county clerk; take the oath within 60 days of commission issue and mail oath and bond with a postmark no more than seven days after the oath (RSMo 486.615 and 486.620).
Residence or work: Satisfy resident or qualifying nonresident conditions under RSMo 486.605; a nonresident must use the seal in Missouri employment and designate the Secretary for service of process.

Reappointment or new commission for current or former notary — nonresident

Missouri Notary Public Written Examination

Application: Submit the prescribed complete application and sworn declaration, including addresses, employer, citizenship or lawful residency, and all specified commission, professional-license, criminal, bond and civil-liability history (RSMo 486.625 and 486.630.1-.2).
Application fee: Pay the nonrefundable $25 commission application fee (RSMo 486.630.5 and 28.160).
Commission term: Four years, subject to earlier resignation or revocation (RSMo 486.610).
Disqualification: RSMo 486.605.4 permits denial for material misstatements, specified criminal matters, deceit-based civil liability, commission or professional-license discipline, and official misconduct; the statute prohibits issuance within five years of specified conviction/plea or disciplinary action.
Handbook or training: Attest to reading the Missouri Notary Public Handbook or receiving Secretary-prescribed training (RSMo 486.630.3(1)); the Secretary instructs applicants to read the handbook and take online or written training.
Language: Read and write English (RSMo 486.605.2(4)).
Legal residence: Reside legally in the United States (RSMo 486.605.2(3)).
Minimum age: At least 18 years old (RSMo 486.605.2(1)).
Prior commission: A current or former notary submits a new completed application and complies anew with RSMo 486.605, 486.615 and 486.625; the Secretary requires the same procedures as a first commission.
Qualification: Present the oath of office and $10,000 bond from a licensed Missouri surety to the county clerk; take the oath within 60 days of commission issue and mail oath and bond with a postmark no more than seven days after the oath (RSMo 486.615 and 486.620).
Reapplication timing: Secretary handbook page 70 instructs submission no earlier than six weeks before current expiration.
Residency and employment: Live outside Missouri, work in Missouri, and use the notary seal in the course of Missouri employment; use the employer county as county of commission (RSMo 486.605.3 and official FAQ).
Service of process: Authorize the Secretary of State to accept service of process, notice or demand as the applicant agent and representative (RSMo 486.605.3(2)).

Reappointment or new commission for current or former notary — resident

Missouri Notary Public Written Examination

Application: Submit the prescribed complete application and sworn declaration, including addresses, employer, citizenship or lawful residency, and all specified commission, professional-license, criminal, bond and civil-liability history (RSMo 486.625 and 486.630.1-.2).
Application fee: Pay the nonrefundable $25 commission application fee (RSMo 486.630.5 and 28.160).
Commission term: Four years, subject to earlier resignation or revocation (RSMo 486.610).
Disqualification: RSMo 486.605.4 permits denial for material misstatements, specified criminal matters, deceit-based civil liability, commission or professional-license discipline, and official misconduct; the statute prohibits issuance within five years of specified conviction/plea or disciplinary action.
Handbook or training: Attest to reading the Missouri Notary Public Handbook or receiving Secretary-prescribed training (RSMo 486.630.3(1)); the Secretary instructs applicants to read the handbook and take online or written training.
Language: Read and write English (RSMo 486.605.2(4)).
Legal residence: Reside legally in the United States (RSMo 486.605.2(3)).
Minimum age: At least 18 years old (RSMo 486.605.2(1)).
Prior commission: A current or former notary submits a new completed application and complies anew with RSMo 486.605, 486.615 and 486.625; the Secretary requires the same procedures as a first commission.
Qualification: Present the oath of office and $10,000 bond from a licensed Missouri surety to the county clerk; take the oath within 60 days of commission issue and mail oath and bond with a postmark no more than seven days after the oath (RSMo 486.615 and 486.620).
Reapplication timing: Secretary handbook page 70 instructs submission no earlier than six weeks before current expiration.
Residency: Reside in Missouri; apply in the county of residence or regular place of work or business (RSMo 486.605 and 486.620).

Replacement commission following loss, theft or damage of seal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing commission: An existing notary seal was lost, stolen, damaged or incapable of a legible impression.
Notice: Notify the Secretary within ten days by means providing a tangible receipt, contact law enforcement for theft or vandalism, and provide any pertinent police report copy or number.
Replacement seal: Present the replacement commission to a seal vendor under RSMo 486.735.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-08-28.

Revised Statutes of Missouri Chapter 486
RSMo 486.725.4

Restoration of suspended commission after exhaustion of bond

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing commission: Commission was suspended because the surety paid claims exhausting the bond.
Replacement bond: Obtain a new bond.
Secretary fitness determination: The Secretary determines fitness to serve the remainder of the commission term; the statute identifies no examination for this determination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-08-28.

Revised Statutes of Missouri Chapter 486
RSMo 486.615.3

Restoration after suspension for failure to respond to a complaint

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Compliance: Comply with the information request; the rule makes the suspension continue until that compliance.
Existing commission: The existing commission was suspended for failure to respond to a Commission Unit information request within 30 days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-08-28.

Missouri Notary Handbook
Page 51, 15 CSR 30-100.005(1)(G)

Remote Online Notary Public

Additional registration to perform remote online notarial acts on an underlying Missouri notary commission.

Licensing authority: Missouri Secretary of State · Application information

Initial remote online registration

All of the following:

Missouri Notary Public Written Examination
Electronic Notary Online Training Course Examination (practice unavailable)

Course: Before initial registration complete the additional Secretary-approved course and pass its examination; this requirement is additional to ordinary notary commissioning training.
Physical location: The remote online notary must be physically located in Missouri when performing remote acts (RSMo 486.1155).
Registered examination evidence: Provide proof of successful completion of currently offered commissioning and electronic training examinations; passing before application remains a requirement leaf.
Registration: Electronically sign and submit the Secretary prescribed registration form, identifying the approved software and means for electronic signatures and seals, verification information and journal access instructions.
Registration delivery: The Secretary provides one Electronic Notary registration and scored Online Training Course; its information page describes remote services, and its guide page 3 permits selecting In-Person Electronic Notary Public only or approved remote software. This single offered course examination implements the electronic and remote registration requirements; no separate remote examination identity is asserted.
Registration term: Registration remains in effect while the underlying commission remains in effect, unless registration is terminated.
Underlying commission: Hold a Missouri notary public commission, or apply for one concurrently; initial commission and reappointment remain subject to RSMo 486.605, 486.615, 486.625 and 486.630.

Reregistration upon recommissioning — remote online registration

All of the following:

Missouri Notary Public Written Examination
Electronic Notary Online Training Course Examination (practice unavailable)

Course: Before initial registration complete the additional Secretary-approved course and pass its examination; this requirement is additional to ordinary notary commissioning training.
Physical location: The remote online notary must be physically located in Missouri when performing remote acts (RSMo 486.1155).
Recommissioning: Upon recommissioning, register again before performing the applicable electronic or remote online acts; initial additional training is not expressly repeated by the statute, but the registration form still requires proof of completion (RSMo 486.1120.3 and 486.1130).
Registered examination evidence: Provide proof of successful completion of currently offered commissioning and electronic training examinations; passing before application remains a requirement leaf.
Registration: Electronically sign and submit the Secretary prescribed registration form, identifying the approved software and means for electronic signatures and seals, verification information and journal access instructions.
Registration delivery: The Secretary provides one Electronic Notary registration and scored Online Training Course; its information page describes remote services, and its guide page 3 permits selecting In-Person Electronic Notary Public only or approved remote software. This single offered course examination implements the electronic and remote registration requirements; no separate remote examination identity is asserted.
Registration term: Registration remains in effect while the underlying commission remains in effect, unless registration is terminated.
Underlying commission: Hold a Missouri notary public commission, or apply for one concurrently; initial commission and reappointment remain subject to RSMo 486.605, 486.615, 486.625 and 486.630.

Electronic Notary Online Training Course Examination

Provider: Missouri Secretary of State
Format: Online multiple-choice examination, one question at a time
Exam questions: 20 multiple-choice questions
Passing score: 80% or greater

Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

Chapter 486 — Commissioners of Deeds and Notaries Public
15 CSR 30-100 — Notary Commissions
15 CSR 30-110 — Electronic Notarization

Examination sources

Revised Statutes of Missouri Chapter 486
RSMo section 486.910
Revised Statutes of Missouri Chapter 486
RSMo section 486.1125
Missouri Secretary of State Electronic Notary Information
Electronic Notary Information: definition, eligibility, and registration steps
Missouri Notary Handbook
Table of Contents, statute and regulation instruments
Missouri Notary Handbook
Page 67, Applicable Law
RSMo section 28.160
RSMo 28.160.3
Missouri Secretary of State Electronic Notary Registration Guide
Page 3, multiple-choice course examination and results
Missouri Secretary of State Electronic Notary Registration Guide
Page 3, course entry and 80% passing score

Missouri Notary Public Written Examination

Provider: Missouri Secretary of State
Format: Written examination; online training course is an examination
Passing score: 80% or better; online guide permits six or fewer incorrect answers

Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

Chapter 486 — Commissioners of Deeds and Notaries Public
15 CSR 30-100 — Notary Commissions
15 CSR 30-110 — Electronic Notarization

Examination sources

RSMo section 486.630
RSMo 486.630.4
Registering as a Notary Public in Missouri
Page 4, Online Notary Training Course
Missouri Notary Handbook
Table of Contents, statute and regulation instruments
Missouri Notary Handbook
Page 67, Applicable Law
RSMo section 28.160
RSMo 28.160.3
RSMo section 486.630
RSMo 486.630.3-.4
Missouri Secretary of State Notary Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Is training required for notaries in Missouri?