Notary Public Permit Requirements in St. Louis, MO

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Missouri Notary Commission

   Apply for a Missouri notary commission through the Secretary of State. Must be 18+, a Missouri resident, and obtain a $10,000 surety bond. Commission lasts 4 years.

   Official government source

   $25 (filing fee) + bond cost·2–3 weeks

   $25 (filing fee) + bond cost

   2–3 weeks

2. Missouri Notary Surety Bond ($10,000)

   Required for all Missouri notaries. The bond protects the public against losses caused by notary errors or misconduct.

   Official government source

   $30–$60 for 4 years·1–3 days

   $30–$60 for 4 years

   1–3 days

3. Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Recommended)

   While not required in Missouri, E&O insurance protects notaries from financial losses due to unintentional mistakes. Coverage of $25,000–$100,000 typically costs $40–$80/year. The National Notary Association offers bundled packages.

   $40–$80/year·Immediate

   $40–$80/year

   Immediate

1. St. Louis Business License (if operating a notary business)

   If you operate a standalone notary business (notary signing agent services, mobile notary, etc.) in St. Louis, you generally need a Business License from the city. If notarization is incidental to another profession (e.g., attorney, bank teller), a separate business license may not be required.

   Official government source

   $25–$100/year·1–3 weeks

   $25–$100/year

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Missouri — Notary Public Requirements
• Missouri Secretary of State

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