Missouri notary public
Exam requiredWhat it takes to become a notary public in Missouri, from the state's official commissioning authority.
- Written exam
- Exam required
- Administered by
- Missouri Secretary of State (state-administered exam as part of required training course)
- Commission term
- 4 years
- Surety bond
- $10,000 surety bond executed by a licensed Missouri surety, covering the 4-year term
- Notes
- Applicant must complete a training course and pass an exam requiring 80% or better, administered by the Secretary of State; $25 application fee; must appear at county clerk's office within 60 days of approval to take oath; bond/oath must be returned to SOS within 7 days of the oath date. Some third-party sources incorrectly claim no exam is required — official SOS FAQ confirms an 80% exam score is mandatory.
Some Missouri details were ambiguous on the official site when we researched this (July 2026) — double-check specifics with the commissioning authority before you rely on them.
Preparing to be a Missouri notary
Missouri requires a written exam, and PrepTempo's Notary course covers the notarial concepts it tests — notarial acts, identifying signers, journals and seals, and unauthorized practice of law. Study your Missouri statute on top of the core.
Start the Notary course →Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Missouri commissioning authority. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state authority or the National Notary Association.