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Notary Requirements for Mississippi: 2025 Updated

by Ben Camerota
Historic stone entrance and swinging suspension bridge at Tishomingo State Park, Mississippi, surrounded by tall trees and forested landscape.

This guide provides comprehensive information for becoming and renewing as a Mississippi Notary Public as of May 2025, based on state law and official Secretary of State (SOS) guidance.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Age and Residency: At least 18 years old; Mississippi resident for at least 30 days prior to applying. Non-residents are not eligible.

  • Citizenship/Legal Status: U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.

  • Literacy: Able to read and write English.

  • Background: No disqualifying convictions (felonies, fraud) or prior notary commission revocations/suspensions. Certify under oath on application.

  • Good Character: Willing to uphold duties.

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Application Process for New Notary Commission

Handled through the SOS Business Services Division.

  1. Complete Notary Application (Form NP-001): Download from SOS website. Type or print. Commission name must include last name and at least first/middle initial. Sign application exactly as commission name.

  2. Notarize Oath of Office: The application includes an Oath of Office. Sign this before a current notary, who must notarize your signature.

  3. Pay Filing Fee: $25.00 (non-refundable) for the 4-year term. Check or money order if mailing.

  4. Submit Application: Mail completed, notarized application and fee to SOS, Business Services Division, P.O. Box 136, Jackson, MS 39205. (Check SOS website for current online submission options).

  5. Await Approval: SOS reviews. If approved, may issue a preliminary approval/pre-commission letter (needed to get bond with correct dates if bond is not submitted initially).

  6. Obtain $5,000 Surety Bond: From an MS-authorized insurance/surety company, covering the 4-year commission term.

  7. File Bond (and Oath) with State: Submit bond to SOS within 60 days of application approval. The notarized oath on application serves this purpose.

  8. Receive Commission Certificate: Once bond/oath processed, SOS emails official Commission Certificate (shows term dates, ID number). Print for records.

  9. Purchase Official Notary Seal: After receiving commission, procure an official seal meeting MS specs.

    • You cannot notarize until commission issued and seal obtained. Processing typically less than one week once complete application, bond, and oath are submitted.

Surety Bond

A $5,000 surety bond is mandatory for the 4-year commission term.

  • Purpose: Protects public from financial harm by notary’s misconduct/mistakes (up to $5k). Notary reimburses surety for paid claims.

  • Provider: MS-licensed surety company/insurer.

  • Form/Filing: Prescribed form, filed with SOS.

  • Term: Matches commission term. Commission expires with a bond. Surety must give 30-day notice to SOS before cancellation.

  • Renewal: New bond required for each renewal.

  • E&O Insurance: Optional, protects the notary personally. Not state-required.

Notary Seal and Journal Requirements

Notary Seal Requirements: Mandatory; use an official seal for all notarial acts.

  • Format: Rubber ink stamp or embosser; must produce a reproducible image. If using an embosser, use an inked embosser or ink pad.

  • Required Information:

    1. Name (as commissioned).

    2. “Notary Public.”

    3. “State of Mississippi.”

    4. County of residence.

    5. Commission expiration date.

    6. Commission ID number (often included).

  • Obtaining: Purchase from a commercial vendor after receiving commission.

  • Security: Notary's responsibility. Destroy/deface upon commission end or if lost/stolen (notify SOS promptly).

Notary Journal Requirements: Mandatory for all notarial acts (since 2021).

  • One Active Journal: Maintain one active journal (physical or electronic).

  • Physical Journal: Permanent, bound register, numbered pages.

  • Electronic Journal: Conform to SOS specifications (secure, tamper-evident).

  • Required Entries (contemporaneous):

    1. Date and time.

    2. Document/transaction description and type of act.

    3. Full name and address of signatory.

    4. ID method: personal knowledge OR ID details (type, issuer, expiration).

    5. Location of notarization (if not usual business address).

    6. Fee charged (if any).

  • Safekeeping: Protect from loss/theft. Notify SOS immediately if lost/stolen.

  • Retention/Disposal: Upon commission end (resignation, revocation, non-renewal), deposit all journals with circuit clerk of residence county within 30 days. Same for personal representatives upon notary's death/incompetency.

Oath of Office and Recording the Commission

  • Oath: Executed on application form before a notary, then submitted to SOS. No separate post-commission oath ceremony or county filing of oath itself.

  • Commission Issuance: SOS emails official Commission Certificate after application, oath, and bond are approved and processed.

  • Recording Commission: No county recording of commission certificate required. SOS maintains an official statewide registry.

Commission Term and Expiration

  • Term: Four (4) years from issuance date (on certificate and seal). Expires with bond.

  • No Grace Period: All notary powers cease at expiration.

  • Renewal: SOS sends renewal reminders (often email), but renewal is notary's responsibility.

Commission Renewal Process

Largely mirrors initial application.

  1. When to Renew: Within 60 days before current expiration (recommended).

  2. Application & Oath: Complete Form NP-001 (mark "Renewal," provide current ID/expiration). Oath of form must be notarized.

  3. New Bond: Obtain new $5,000 bond for next 4-year term.

  4. Fee: $25.

  5. Processing: SOS issues new certificate (emailed). New terms are usually continuous if renewed timely.

  6. Lapsed Commission: If expired, apply as new (may get new commission number). Cannot notarize during lapse.

No additional training/exam for renewal.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

As of May 2025, Mississippi law does not authorize Remote Online Notarization (RON).

  • Personal Appearance Required: Signer must physically appear before the notary.

  • Temporary RON Expired: Governor's temporary emergency order allowing RON during COVID-19 pandemic has expired.

  • In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN): IS allowed. Notaries can notarize electronic documents if the signer is physically present. Requires separate e-notary registration with SOS and use of approved technology.

  • Future: Monitor legislation and SOS announcements for any future RON authorization.

Official Resources

  • Mississippi SOS – Notary Public Info: sos.ms.gov (FAQs, forms, contact).

  • Mississippi Notary Law (Revised Mississippi Law on Notarial Acts): MS Code Annotated §§ 25-34-1 through 25-34-63 (on SOS website).

  • MS Notary Public Rules, Part 5 Chapter 1.

  • Notary Forms (NP-001 Application, Change of Address/Name): On SOS website.

  • E-Notary Registration Info: On SOS website.

  • Contact SOS Notary Division: (601) 359-1615 or 1-800-256-3494.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much can I charge for my notary services in Mississippi?

A: Max $5.00 per notarial act. Travel fees by separate agreement. Record fees in journal.

Q: Can I notarize documents anywhere in Mississippi, or am I limited to my county?

A: Statewide jurisdiction. Seal lists home county, but authority is throughout MS. Cannot notarize outside MS.

Q: May I notarize a document for a family member or relative?

A: Generally no for immediate family (spouse, ancestor, descendant) or if you have direct beneficial interest. SOS advises against it.

Q: Can I notarize my own signature or a document in which I am a party?

A: No. Must be disinterested. Cannot notarize own signature or if a party/direct beneficiary.

Q: I have applied for my notary commission and mailed everything in. Can I start notarizing documents now?

A: No. Must wait for SOS to issue a commission (emailed certificate) AND obtain your official seal.

Q: What do I do if I move to a different address or county after becoming a notary?

A: Notify SOS via Form NP-004 ($20 fee). If moving to a new MS county, get a new seal reflecting the new county.

Q: What if my name changes during my commission (for example, due to marriage or divorce)?

A: Notify SOS via Form NP-005 ($20 fee) with proof (marriage license/court order). Get a new seal and new/rider for bond.

 Q: What happens if I move out of Mississippi or no longer want to be a notary?

A: If moving out of MS, commission terminates. Resign via Form NP-007 (no fee). Destroy the seal. Deposit journal with circuit clerk.

Q: How long does it take to receive my notary commission after I apply?

A: Typically less than one week if application, bond, and oath are complete and correct.

Q: What are the main duties I need to remember as a notary public in Mississippi?

A: Require personal appearance, verify ID, ensure signer competence/willingness, complete certificates fully, use seal, maintain journal, follow fee limits, remain impartial.

Always consult official Mississippi SOS resources for the most current laws and guidelines.

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