How to become a notary in Mississippi
Notaries in Mississippi are commissioned by the Mississippi Secretary of State, Business Services Division. Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
The state's website could not be fully reached when we checked, so some details come from Mississippi law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a notary in Mississippi?
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Mississippi resident for at least 30 days before applying
- Able to read and write English
- Not disqualified (e.g., felony conviction within the past 10 years)
What are the Mississippi notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | Mississippi Secretary of State, Business Services Division |
|---|---|
| Training required | No. The statute (Miss. Code §25-34-41) lists no training requirement. |
| Exam required | No. The statute lists no exam requirement. |
| Surety bond | $5,000 |
| Application fee | $25 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Remote online notarization | The 2021 statute and rules allow in-person electronic notarization after a separate registration; no enacted remote online notarization law was found (2025 HB 1154 died in committee). |
Steps to become a notary in Mississippi
- Complete Form NP-001, Application for Notary Public Commission
- Mail it with the $25 fee to the Secretary of State, Business Services Division, P.O. Box 136, Jackson, MS 39205-0136
- Buy a $5,000 surety bond from a surety licensed by the Mississippi Department of Insurance
- Sign the constitutional oath of office and submit it and the bond to the Secretary of State within 60 days, or the application lapses
- Receive your commission by email
How do you find a notary in Mississippi?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official Mississippi notary lookup.