Missouri Notary Bond

A Missouri Notary Bond is a state-required surety bond that ensures notaries carry out their responsibilities ethically and accurately. It serves as a financial safeguard, protecting the public from errors, omissions, or fraudulent acts committed by a notary.

The Missouri Secretary of State regulates the notary bond requirement, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

If a notary negligently or fraudulently performs their duties, an affected party can file a claim against the bond. For example, if a notary is found guilty of notarizing a forged signature, the claimant can seek up to $10,000. If the surety company approves the claim and pays, the notary must repay the full amount.

A notary bond protects the public, not the notary, from financial losses. To protect themselves from potential claims, many notaries choose Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, which provides optional coverage ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

In Missouri, notaries must secure a $10,000 surety bond as part of their notary commission process. This bond remains valid for 4 years and acts as a financial safeguard, protecting the public from potential fraudulent or negligent acts by the notary.

The Tennessee notary bond costs as low as $35 to $55 (processing fees may be applied), which must be paid to a state-approved surety provider before submitting the notary application.

Beyond the bond and optional insurance, notaries should also consider additional expenses, such as:

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: $25 to the Missouri Secretary of State.
• Notary Seal and Journal: $20 to $50, depending on the provider.

Getting a Missouri notary bond is a quick and straightforward process that involves three simple steps:

1. Apply for Your Bond

You can choose from the following convenient application methods:

• Apply for a bond online – Our secure online application is available 24/7 and takes only a few minutes to complete.
• Call us at (888)-592-6631 – Speak with our bond specialists for assistance and answers to any questions.

To apply, you will need:

• Bond name: Missouri Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond amount: $10,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and contact details

2. Receive Your Quote

Once you submit your application, you’ll get an instant bond quote. Review it carefully to ensure all details are correct. If you have any questions or need changes, our team is here to help.

3. Purchase Your Bond

After confirming the quote, you can complete your purchase by paying the invoice and signing the documents online. Once finalized, your official bond will be emailed to you within minutes, ready for submission with your notary application.

To renew your Missouri notary bond, you must purchase a new $10,000 surety bond from an authorized surety provider before applying for your notary commission renewal. The bond is required for your 4-year term and ensures financial protection for the public.

It is recommended to renew your bond at least 60 days before your commission expires to avoid delays and ensure a smooth renewal process.

Make sure to secure your new bond before submitting your renewal application to the Missouri Secretary of State. If your bond expires, you will need to apply as a new notary instead of renewing.

To become a notary public in Missouri, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• Reside or work in Missouri.
• Be able to read and write English.
• Have no felony convictions or offenses involving dishonesty in the past five years.

Application Process:

1. Training & Exam: Complete a state-approved training course and pass the exam.
2. Application Submission: Submit an application through the Missouri Secretary of State's office.
3. Surety Bond: Obtain a $10,000 surety bond for the four-year commission term.
4. Oath & Seal: Take the oath of office at the county clerk’s office and purchase an official notary seal.
5. Journal: Maintain a record of all notarial acts.

Once your application is approved, you'll receive a commission letter from the Secretary of State's office. You must visit your county clerk's office within 60 days of the approval date to be sworn in. Bring the following items:

• Commission Letter: Issued by the Secretary of State.
• Notary Bond: Your $10,000 surety bond.
• Photo ID: A valid government-issued identification.
• Swearing-In Fee: County clerks may charge a small, variable fee for this service.

For more detailed information, visit the Missouri Notary FAQ page.

Missouri has allowed commissioned notaries to perform remote online notarizations (RON) since August 28, 2020, by completing an additional authorization process. To qualify, you must:

1. Hold an Active Commission: You must already be a commissioned notary public in Missouri.
2. Complete Required Training: Enroll in and complete a state-approved remote notary training course, then pass the associated exam.
3. Select Approved RON Technology: Choose a RON technology provider approved by the Missouri Secretary of State. A list of approved providers is available on the Secretary of State's website.
4. Submit Application: Complete and submit the Remote Online Notary application to the Secretary of State's office.

Once approved, you’ll be able to notarize documents remotely using secure online platforms, making the notarization process more convenient and efficient.