Notaries FAQs
These are not the laws or rules governing Notary Publics in Mississippi, just a list of common questions asked regarding Notary Publics.
- 1. How do I become a Notary Public in Mississippi?
- 2. I have filed my application, paid my money and sworn my oath, may I notarize now?
- 3. How do I renew a commission?
- 4. I have moved. What now?
- 5. I have married and my name has changed. What must I do?
- 6. Can I notarize in a county different than that in which I live?
- 7. I live in Mississippi, but work in Tennessee, may I notarize at work?
- 8. I am GBTT (Gone Back To Texas). Do I keep my Notary?
- 9. I need my signature notarized. May I notarize my own signature?
- 10. A relative of mine needs their signature notarized, may I?
- 11. How long will it take to get my commission?
- 12. When does my commission expire?
FAQ ANSWERS
1. How do I become a Notary Public in Mississippi?
Answer:
You must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Mississippi resident for more than 30 days.
- File an application with the Secretary of State.
- Pay a $25 application fee.
- File a $5,000 Surety Bond and the Oath of Office with the Secretary of State.
- Obtain an official seal or stamp to affix to documents.
- Comply with the statutes governing Mississippi Notary Acts, including but not limited to, maintaining a registry of all documents signed.
2. I have filed my application, paid my money and sworn my oath, may I notarize now?
Answer:
No. The Secretary of State must assign you a date for the beginning of your commission. The Governor must approve your application. You must file your oath and Surety Bond. The Secretary of State must issue a Commission certificate. And finally, you must obtain your official seal or stamp showing your county of residence.
3. How do I renew a commission?
Answer:
Within 60 days prior to the expiration of the current commission file a new application and oath, and submit a new bond when approved.
4. I have moved. What now?
Answer:
If you move to a different county, you must file a change of address with the Secretary of State, Notary Public Division. You must then obtain a new seal or stamp showing your new county of residence.
5. I have married and my name has changed. What must I do?
Answer:
File a name change with the Secretary of State proof of the new name (marriage license, Social Security card change, or voter registration). You will also need to obtain a new seal or stamp and a new bond.
6. Can I notarize in a county different than that in which I live?
Answer:
Mississippi Notaries have statewide jurisdiction. A Notary may notarize in any county within Mississippi. Your seal or stamp, however, must show the county of your residence in Mississippi.
7. I live in Mississippi, but work in Tennessee, may I notarize at work?
Answer:
No. Your authority to notarize is valid only within the state of Mississippi. Notarizing outside Mississippi by a Mississippi Notary is void and illegal.
8. I am GBTT (Gone Back To Texas). Do I keep my Notary?
Answer:
NO. Moving out of state terminates the Notary. If you do not intend to return, you should resign your commission and destroy your seal or stamp.
9. I need my signature notarized. May I notarize my own signature?
Answer:
NO. See Rule 202(1).
10. A relative of mine needs their signature notarized, may I?
Answer:
Generally the answer is no. See Rule 202(2)
11. How long will it take to get my commission?
Answer:
The process should take less than one week provided that you submit a complete application along with your bond and Oath.
12. When does my commission expire?
Answer:
Four years from the date the commission was issued.
