If you want to become a notary public in Missouri, you need to purchase and maintain a Missouri Notary Bond for the duration of your commission. Learn more about Missouri Notary Bonds, and how to easily obtain them.
Missouri defines a Notary Public as any person appointed and commissioned to perform notarial acts.
Missouri Notaries are allowed to perform the following duties:
(L. 1977 H.B. 513 § 12)
Effective 1-1-78
A Missouri Notary Bond is a type of surety bond that guarantees a notary’s faithful performance of notarial duties and protects the public from any financial losses caused by negligence or misconduct.
The Missouri Notary is referred to as the Principal on the bond. The notary pays a bond premium to a Surety Bond Company or “Surety” and agrees to indemnify the Surety for any losses. The Surety then provides the notary bond to the State of Missouri, which is the Obligee. The bond is guaranteeing that if the notary causes financial harm while acting in the capacity of notary, a claim can be made against the notary bond and the Surety will pay the claim. The Surety may then go and seek to be reimbursed from the notary under the indemnity agreement.
According to Missouri Code 486.355, a notary and surety are liable when:
“to the persons involved for all damages proximately caused by the notary’s official misconduct.”
(L. 1977 H.B. 513 § 33)
Effective 1-1-78
(1987 Notary public in failing to witness the signing of a bill of sale of business notarized by him may be liable pursuant to this section to plaintiffs for damages for their not being able to enforce a note that was entered into at time of transfer of business where the bill of sale referenced the note. Means v. Clardy, 735 S.W.2d 6 (Mo.App.W.D.).
A notary bond is not the same as an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. While a Missouri Notary Bond protects others, E&O insurance covers the notary’s own legal expenses and damages if the notary is sued for a mistake or omission while performing their notarial duties. An E&O policy is optional, but highly recommended, as it can save you from paying out of pocket for costly lawsuits. Notary E&O insurance is offered in various limits by different insurance carriers.
Missouri Notary Bonds are instantly issued and do not require a credit check or any financial information. Simply click the button, fill out the online information and purchase the bond.
A notary bond must be received by the state before the notary can receive his or her commission. The bond must be executed within 90 days after a notary submits the notary application to the Secretary of State’s office. The notary bond must also match the term of the Missouri Notary’s commission, which is four years.
Once the Missouri Notary Bond is received, it must be filed with the oath of office at the county clerk’s office within 30 days of receiving the notary’s commission certificate. The Missouri Notary must also keep a copy of notary bond and notify the Secretary of State’s office if the notary changes their name or address during the commission term.
Missouri requires notaries to carry a $10,000 notary bond for their entire 4-year commission.
Missouri Notary Bonds are inexpensive. A four-year notary bond with $10,000 of E&O Insurance can be purchased for $50. At the end of the four-year term, a new bond will need to be purchased and a new premium paid. You can learn more about surety bond costs here.
The basic steps to become a Missouri Notary Public include:
Like many states, Missouri requires all notaries to have a valid Missouri Notary Bond. These bonds are inexpensive and easy to obtain. A notary bond is a legal requirement and a safeguard for the public trust. By purchasing and maintaining a notary bond, you demonstrate your commitment to uphold the laws and standards of notarization in Missouri.
Missouri Notaries can visit our FAQ page for many common questions about surety bonds. Missouri Notaries may also need other surety bonds. Many of these can also be purchased instantly by visiting the Missouri Surety Bond page. Current Missouri Notaries and those looking for more information can also read the Missouri Notary Handbook.
Axcess Surety is the premier provider of surety bonds nationally. We work individuals and businesses across the country to provide the best surety bond programs at the best price.
