Missouri Notary Bond Requirements

Is a notary bond required in Missouri?

Yes. Missouri law (RSMo § 486.235) requires each notary public to maintain a surety bond of $10,000 during the term of office, with a company qualified to write surety bonds in the state. The bond is conditioned on the faithful performance of all notarial acts, and any changes or riders to the bond must be reported to the Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State explains that the $10,000 bond must be executed by a licensed Missouri surety for a four-year term that commences on the commission’s issue date and ends on its expiration date — so the bond covers the same dates as the term of office. Unlike states where the bond is filed with the state, Missouri applicants submit the executed bond, together with the required oath, to the county clerk of the county for which they are commissioned before the commission is issued.

The bond exists to protect the public. If a signer suffers a loss because of a notary’s misconduct, the surety can pay a claim up to the bond amount, and the notary may then owe that money back to the surety company.

How to become a notary in Missouri

1. Meet the statutory qualifications and apply to the Secretary of State (applications are handled through the state’s online notary system).
2. After the Secretary of State approves the application, obtain a $10,000 surety bond from a licensed Missouri surety, written for a four-year term matching your commission dates. The bond should be executed within the window the state specifies.
3. Take the oath of office in the presence of the county clerk.
4. File the executed bond and oath with the county clerk of your county.
5. Receive your commission and obtain your official notary seal.

Bond vs. E&O insurance in Missouri

The Secretary of State draws a clear line: an errors and omissions policy is not required by law and does not replace the bond. The bond protects the public up to $10,000; E&O insurance is optional coverage that protects the notary by paying legal fees and costs if the notary is sued. Notaries who want personal financial protection typically add E&O on top of the mandatory bond.

Renewing your Missouri commission

A Missouri commission lasts four years. To renew, apply again through the Secretary of State and place a new $10,000 bond for the new four-year term — the bond must be written to cover the same dates as the renewed commission. As with an initial commission, the new bond and oath are filed with the county clerk before the renewed commission takes effect.

Remote online notarization in Missouri

Missouri authorizes remote online notarization. A notary must register with the Secretary of State and use approved technology before performing remote online notarial acts, and the notary must be physically located within Missouri when performing a remote online notarization. Electronic-notary information and approved vendor guidance are published by the Secretary of State.

Non-resident notaries in Missouri

Missouri’s commissioning process is administered by the Secretary of State with the bond and oath filed at the county level. Applicants who do not reside in Missouri should confirm current eligibility and residency requirements directly with the Secretary of State’s office before applying.