Missouri Notary Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect the public and the state from illegal notary actions
- Who Needs It: Any person applying to become a public notary in Missouri
- Regulating Body: The Missouri Secretary of State
- Bond Amount: $10,000
- Premium Price: $50–$90 based on E&O coverage
What Is a Missouri Notary Bond?
A Missouri notary bond ensures that notaries follow the law and act ethically. All notaries public in Missouri need a $10,000 surety bond.
The bond can reimburse clients or the state for damages if you break regulations. Some prohibited acts for Missouri notaries include notarizing the following:
- A signature that you know is fraudulent
- A family member's document
- A document that includes or benefits you
- Your own signature
How Much Do Notary Bonds Cost?
Missouri notary bonds cost a low, flat rate of $50 for four years of coverage plus $10,000 errors and omissions (E&O) coverage.
Want extra protection? Add on $20,000–$30,000 errors and omissions (E&O) coverage for just $20–$40 more. Buy your bond in minutes.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
Bond and E&O Requirements for Missouri Notaries
All notaries in Missouri need a $10,000 surety bond which comes with $10,000 E&O coverage. Here’s how they work together:
- Surety Bond: Can reimburse clients for notary malpractice or serious professional mistakes
- E&O Insurance: Protects a notary if a client takes legal action due to accidental errors or omissions
Put simply: the notary bond protects your clients while E&O insurance protects you.
How to Get Your Notary Bond
You can get your Missouri notary bond in minutes using the form on this page. It only takes three steps:
- Select your E&O coverage option
- Enter your personal and notary information
- Checkout on this page
We’ll email you the bond instantly after you check out.
How Does a Notary Bond Work?
When you file a Missouri notary bond, you enter a legally-binding contract with two other parties.
- Principal: You, the bonded notary public
- Obligee: The Missouri Secretary of State
- Surety: Us, the issuing surety provider
If you break the bond terms, anyone harmed can file a claim on the bond. If a claim is valid, the surety reimburses the damages up to the bond amount.
How Do I Renew My Bond?
Missouri notary bonds last for four years. If you renew your notary commission, you’ll also need to renew the bond.
We’ll send out helpful reminders during the renewal period. Just pay the renewal premium and we’ll issue a bond form for the next term.
Can I Make Changes to My Bond?
If you need to update information on your bond form like a name or address, contact your surety company. You can reach us at [email protected] with the change request.
When possible, we issue free bond rider forms to amend existing bond forms.
How to Become a Notary Public in Missouri
The Missouri Secretary of State enforces notary appointment requirements for individuals who perform notarial acts.
- Study the Missouri Notary Handbook and take the training course.
- Apply for a commission online or by mail.
- Buy a notary bond (the bond term should match the commission term exactly).
- Take your oath at the county clerk’s office.
You have seven business days after being sworn in with your county clerk to mail the signed oath and bond to the following address:
Secretary of State
Notaries & Commissions Unit
PO Box 784
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Learn more about how to get a Missouri notary public commission in our comprehensive guide.
What Are the Requirements for Notarizations in Missouri?
The notary can only notarize documents in Missouri. A proper notarization must contain the following four items:
- Signature of notary
- Notarial certificate stating the document was signed before notary
- Signature of the notary as commissioned
- Notary seal or notary stamp
