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1. How do I become a Notary Public?

See the Notaries page for information regarding how to become a Notary Public.

2. How long does it take to become a Notary Public?

All applications are processed by the Missouri Secretary of State’s office in Jefferson City.

Two weeks is normally required for the application to be processed and the confirmation letter mailed to the applicant. The commission is sent to the County Clerk’s Office in Hillsboro.

Please contact the County Clerk’s office to verify receipt of the commission. A Notary Public must be sworn in at the County Clerk’s office to receive the commission.

3. Where do I have to be sworn in?

A Notary Public must be sworn in the county of the applicant’s residence.

4. How do I renew my notary? Is my notary renewable?

Notaries are not renewable. All notaries must re-apply every 4 years.

5. How much does it cost to become a Notary Public?

The fee is $25 made payable to the State Director of Revenue. A notary surety bond may be acquired through any insurance company and the cost is approximately $50 for the 4-year bond. The journal and notary seal may be acquired through any office supply store at a cost of approximately $150. The County Clerk’s office fee, for recording the notary commission and administering the oath of office, is $3.

6. When can I pick up or receive my notary commission?

Once an application has been processed and the commission issued by the Secretary of State’s office, the applicant has 60 days to appear and qualify. A failure to appear by the applicant results in the return of the notary commission to the Secretary of State’s office. (486.240 Revised Statutes of Missouri)

7. Can I sign my Notary Surety Bond before I come to the office?

No, all documents must be signed in the County Clerk’s office in front of a deputy clerk.

8. What do I need to check on my Notary Surety Bond before I come to be sworn?

Please check that the date of commission and the county of residence is correct.

The date of commission should be indicated on the bond. If the space on the bond is ’blank’, where the beginning date of the commission should be, please fill in the proper beginning date. If the county of residence is blank, leave it ’blank’ and the Deputy Clerk in the County Clerk’s office will fill-in the blank space. If either is incorrect, the applicant will need to contact the insurance company to obtain a ’rider’ for the corrections to the Notary Surety Bond.

9. What is my date of commission? How is it determined?

The date of commission is the day that the Secretary of State’s Office processes the application.

10. Will my Notary Surety Bond be sent to my mailing address?

The bond will be sent to the applicant, not the Department of the County Clerk.

11. Where is the County Clerk's office?

729 Maple Street
Hillsboro, MO 63050

12. When can I start my official duties as a Notary Public?

A notary may start his/her official duties after being sworn-in and receiving their notary seal.