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How to Become a Notary in Mississippi: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Mississippi has a way of keeping things straightforward, and becoming a notary public here is no exception. Whether you're looking to add a professional credential to your resume in Jackson, serve your local community along the Gulf Coast, or provide notarization services for your employer in the Delta region, the process is refreshingly simple compared to many other states. That said, "simple" doesn't mean you can skip steps — there are a few details that trip people up if they aren't paying attention. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from eligibility requirements all the way to performing your first notarization.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Mississippi Secretary of State's office before applying. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Who Can Become a Notary in Mississippi?
Mississippi keeps the eligibility bar reasonable. To qualify as a notary public in the state, you need to meet just three basic criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Mississippi
- Have no felony convictions unless pardoned
That's it. There's no required exam, no mandatory training course, and no educational minimum beyond being a legal adult. If you meet these three conditions, you're eligible to apply.
What You'll Need
Before diving into the application, it's worth gathering everything you'll need so the process goes smoothly:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- A $500 surety bond (typically costs $10-20)
- The $25 filing fee
The surety bond often confuses new applicants, but it's not something you need to worry about paying the full $500 for. A surety bond is essentially an insurance product that protects the public if you make an error while performing notarial duties. You'll purchase it through a bonding agency or insurance provider for a small fraction of the face value.
Step 1: Complete the Application
Submit your notary application to the Mississippi Secretary of State with your full legal name, residential address, and county of residence. Double-check that everything matches your ID exactly — mismatched names or addresses are one of the most common reasons for processing delays.
Step 2: Submit with Bond and Fee
Along with your completed application, you'll need to include:
- A $500 surety bond
- A $25 filing fee
Make sure your surety bond is properly executed and signed before submitting. Some bonding companies will submit everything on your behalf, which can save you a trip to the Secretary of State's office.
Step 3: Receive Your Commission
Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks, though timing can vary depending on volume. Once approved, you'll receive your commission certificate. Hold onto this — it's an important document you'll need throughout your notary career.
Your commission is valid for four years, so mark your calendar and set a reminder well in advance. You don't want to let this lapse if you're actively notarizing documents.
Step 4: Get Your Notary Supplies
Once you know your commission is on the way, go ahead and order your supplies so you're ready to go:
- A Mississippi notary stamp — must meet state requirements for format, size, and information included.
- A notary record book (journal) — while not mandated by Mississippi law, keeping one is strongly recommended by the National Notary Association and most experienced notaries.
Your stamp is non-negotiable — every notarization you perform needs that official imprint. A journal, on the other hand, isn't legally required in Mississippi, but here's the thing: if a notarization is ever questioned, a well-maintained journal is your best defense. It creates a paper trail showing exactly who you notarized, when, and what type of document was involved. For a few dollars, it's cheap peace of mind.
Browse Notary StampsStep 5: File Your Oath of Office
This is the step that catches more people off guard than any other. Before you can perform a single notarization, you must take the oath of office and file it with the appropriate county office. This step is mandatory — not optional, not a formality you can skip, and definitely not something to do later.
If you start notarizing documents before filing your oath, your commission could become void. That's a mistake you really don't want to make, especially when filing the oath is usually as simple as visiting your county clerk's office and signing a form.
Common Mistakes New Mississippi Notaries Make
Learning from other people's missteps is always easier than making them yourself. Here are the pitfalls that snag new notaries most often:
- Not filing the oath before performing acts — as mentioned, this can void your commission entirely
- Using an incorrect stamp format — your stamp must meet Mississippi's specific requirements exactly, including your name, county, and commission expiration date
- Letting your commission expire — reappointment isn't instant, so give yourself plenty of lead time
- Notarizing without the signer physically present — this is one of the most serious violations in notary law and grounds for commission revocation, regardless of what state you're in
That last point deserves extra emphasis. Even well-meaning notaries sometimes get asked to "just stamp it" for a friend or family member who can't be there. Don't do it. The physical presence requirement exists to protect the public — and to protect you.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here's a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to spend:
- Surety bond: $10-20
- Application fee: $25
- Notary stamp: $15-30
- Notary journal: $15-25
Total estimated cost: $65-$100
That's a pretty modest investment for a four-year professional credential. And if you're notarizing documents regularly, whether for an employer or on the side, you can recoup that cost quickly.
A Note on Remote Online Notarization (RON)
If you've heard about remote online notarization — where notarizations are performed over video call — you should know that Mississippi does not have a permanent RON law as of 2026. While some temporary provisions have existed through executive orders in the past, there's no standing legislation that authorizes Mississippi notaries to perform remote notarizations on an ongoing basis. If this changes, the Secretary of State's office will issue updated guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a notary in Mississippi?
The process typically takes 2-3 weeks from the time you submit your application to having your commission in hand, supplies ordered, and oath filed. It can occasionally be faster, but planning for a three-week window is realistic.
Do I need errors and omissions insurance?
It's not required by Mississippi law, but it's strongly recommended. E&O insurance covers you if you make an honest mistake while notarizing — like a clerical error or a misidentification. Without it, you'd be paying out of pocket for legal defense and any damages. Policies are surprisingly affordable and worth serious consideration.
How do I renew my commission?
Begin the reappointment process before your current commission expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial application — you'll submit a new application, bond, and fee. Don't wait until the last minute, because there's no grace period that allows you to keep notarizing with an expired commission.
Can a Mississippi notary charge fees?
Yes. Mississippi notaries can charge up to $5 per notarization. This is a statutory maximum, meaning you can charge less or even notarize for free if you choose, but you cannot charge more than $5 for a standard notarization.
Is a notary journal required in Mississippi?
No. Mississippi is one of the states that does not mandate a notary journal by law. However, virtually every notary organization and experienced notary will tell you the same thing: keep one anyway. It takes seconds per notarization and provides invaluable protection if anything is ever disputed.
State-Specific Notes
- Journal not required: Mississippi does not mandate a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended.
- Oath filing is essential: Don't overlook Step 5 — filing your oath with the county is what activates your commission.
- $5 fee cap: Remember that your per-notarization fee is capped by state law, so price your services accordingly.
Becoming a notary in Mississippi is one of the more accessible professional credentials you can pursue. The process is affordable, relatively quick, and doesn't require passing an exam. Just follow the steps in order, don't skip the oath filing, and you'll be ready to serve your community as a commissioned notary public.
Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Mississippi earn $75–$200 per appointment. The most comprehensive training available.
RON Pro: Remote Online Notarization — Mississippi supports remote notarization. Learn how to notarize documents online and reach clients anywhere.
How to Start a Mobile Notary Business — turn your Mississippi notary commission into a profitable business.
How to Market Your Notary Business — get clients from day one with proven strategies.
How to Become a Notary — our complete guide covering requirements for all 50 states.
