Mississippi residents can become a Notary Public by taking the following steps:
- Meet Mississippi's eligibility requirements.
- Complete the application and get it notarized.
- Send your application and the $25 filing fee to the Secretary of State.
- Receive your pre-commission certificate from the Secretary.
- Buy a $5,000 surety bond.
- Return your completed bond and oath form to the Secretary within 60 days.
- Receive your official commission certificate.
- Buy your Notary seal and journal.
About the Mississippi Notary Process
The term of a Mississippi Notary commission is four years. Below is more information about the application process for an MS Notary commission.
Cost to Become an MS Notary
The cost of becoming a Mississippi Notary ranges between $135 and $160. The final cost depends on where you purchase your Notary supplies.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application filing fee |
$25 |
| $5,000 surety bond |
$45 |
| Notarization fee |
$5 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$135 - $160 |
Commissioning Processing Length
The process to become a commissioned Mississippi Notary Public should take about a week, according to the Secretary of State's website.
Mississippi Notary Public Requirements
Learn if you qualify to become a Notary Public in the Magnolia State.
Eligibility
There are basic qualifications for a person to become a Notary in Mississippi. Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.
- Be a resident of Mississippi and have resided in the county of residence for at least 30 days prior to applying
- Be able to read and write English
- Not be currently incarcerated, on probation or on parole
- Not have had a lifetime felony conviction unless pardoned by the Governor or had your voting rights restored by the state Legislature
- Not have had a Notary commission revoked, suspended, restricted or denied, or been found to have engaged in official misconduct, misfeasance or malfeasance in Mississippi or any other state
Application
Complete the application and bring it to a Mississippi Notary for notarization. Send your notarized application and $25 filing fee to the Secretary of State.
If approved, you’ll receive your pre-commission certificate via email.
Surety Bond
A $5,000 four-year surety bond is required for Mississippi Notaries. Return your completed bond and oath form to the Secretary of State's Office within 60 days.
Additionally, many choose to purchase optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies to protect themselves from legal expenses.
Notary Supplies
Your official commission certificate will be emailed to you, at which point you may order your Notary seal and journal. The seal must be an inked stamp that is capable of being copied together with the record to which it is affixed or attached. The seal must contain the following information:
- Your name
- The words “Notary Public”
- The words “State of Mississippi”
- The county in which you maintain an office
- Your commission expiration date
- Your commission identification number
When purchasing a Notary journal, look for one with numbered pages and tamper-proof sewn construction. This allows Notaries to identify missing pages in their journals, which becomes extremely helpful if you're ever named in a lawsuit. Simple notebooks or glue-bound journals do not meet state requirements.
Mississippi Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a Mississippi Notary? We have your answers.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Governor appoints Notaries Public, and the Secretary of State, located in Jackson, MS, oversees the Notary application process and maintains a record of all Notaries.
Is there training or an exam required for MS Notaries?
No training or exam is required for Mississippi Notaries.
The NNA offers self-paced training courses for Notaries just starting out. Explore our online Mississippi Notary classes.
Where will I be able to notarize?
You will be able to notarize anywhere in the state of Mississippi.
Who can I notarize for?
You may notarize for everyone, excluding yourself and your relatives. You cannot notarize your own signature, nor can you notarize documents you are named in or would benefit from.
If you perform notarizations as part of your employment, your employer may limit the notarizations you perform during work hours.
How much can Mississippi Notaries charge for their services?
In Mississippi, Notaries may charge a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act.
An additional fee for travel may be charged, but only if the signer agrees to it in advance and the signer understands the extra fee is separate from the notarial fee.
If you charge any Notary fees, you must display an English-language fee schedule in your place of business or present it to signers when outside of your place of business.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
If you change your address or name, you must notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of the change.
- Address Change: Complete the Application for Notary Public Change of Address. Order a new Notary seal with your county of residence.
- Name Change: Complete the Application for Notary Public Change of Name form, and mail it to the Secretary along with a $20 fee. Wait to receive a replacement commission from the SOS before getting your new seal and informing the surety about your new name in writing. You may continue using your former name in notarial acts until the SOS sends you a new commission and you've completed the above steps.
What is the process to renew my commission as a Mississippi Notary?
The process to renew your Mississippi commission is the same as the process to become a Notary for the first time. You may begin the renewal process no earlier than 90 days before your commission expires.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Mississippi?
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Last updated: Aug 6, 2025