Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a notary in St Louis, MO. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Chapter 66 KCMC covers all occupations including notaries
Business occupancy classification B per IFC 2021
OP district allows professional offices; home occupation permit separate process
Required for all LLC formation in Missouri. Annual report required separately (see below).
All Missouri LLCs must file annual report regardless of business type.
Prerequisite: 18+, Missouri resident, pass state exam ($20 proctored exam fee), $10,000 bond, background check. Journal required. Effective training requirement as of August 28, 2020.
Must be filed with Secretary of State. Bond covers 4-year commission term.
Required if LLC transacts business under assumed/fictitious name. Not required if using exact legal LLC name.
50-question exam, 70% passing score. Study materials available on state website. Prerequisite for notary commission.
All LLCs conducting business in Missouri must obtain a Missouri tax identification number for filing state income tax returns.
Notary services are generally non‑taxable, but if the LLC sells taxable items (e.g., stationery, filing fees that are considered a sale of tangible personal property) a sales tax permit is required.
After registration, the employer must file withholding returns either monthly or quarterly depending on the amount of tax withheld.
Employers must report wages and pay UI tax each quarter using the Missouri UI Online system.
LLCs taxed as partnerships do not file corporate income tax; members report income on their personal returns.
Each member must obtain a Missouri Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or use their Social Security Number.
Notary services are classified under Professional Services; the city may require a separate privilege tax based on gross receipts if gross receipts exceed $100,000.
Varies by jurisdiction; St. Louis City has separate ordinance Ch. 17.14
No client visits allowed for professional services; signage prohibited
Notary services fall under the Professional Services category; exact fee is listed in the city’s 2024 fee schedule.
Required for all businesses; notary services classified under professional services
Verify zoning district allows professional office (e.g., NOT district); home occupation permit available for residences
Limits clients to 5/day, no external signage; see Chapter 26.48 STL Municipal Code
Compliant with zoning district sign regulations (STL Revised Code Chapter 26.56)
Notary office typically low-hazard; see Fire Code Section 105
Kansas City has separate requirements; professional services included
File online through the Secretary of State portal.
Must maintain a bound journal of all notarial acts for at least 10 years.
Missouri requires a $10,000 surety bond for all notaries public. The bond protects the public from financial loss due to improper conduct. The bond is required even if operating as an LLC. The premium is typically paid annually to a bonding company, but the bond itself is a continuous obligation during the 4-year commission term.
Missouri law requires employers with five or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Agricultural employers are exempt unless they have more than 10 employees. Sole proprietors and LLC members without employees are not required to carry coverage. Coverage must be obtained through a licensed insurer or approved self-insurance program.
General liability insurance is not statutorily required for notaries in Missouri. However, it is strongly recommended and often required by third parties (e.g., landlords, clients, signing companies). It covers third-party bodily injury or property damage claims occurring during business operations.
Missouri does not mandate professional liability (E&O) insurance for notaries. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in notarial acts. Some employers or signing services may require it as a condition of engagement.
Missouri law requires all motor vehicles registered to a business to carry liability insurance meeting minimum limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. This applies only if the LLC owns or uses a vehicle for business purposes.
Missouri does not require product liability insurance for notaries. However, if the LLC sells physical goods (e.g., notary supplies), such coverage may be prudent. It is not mandated by state law but could be required by distributors or retailers.
Not applicable to notary services. Liquor liability insurance is only required for businesses holding an alcohol license. A notary operating as an LLC would not need this unless also operating a bar, restaurant, or retail alcohol outlet.
Most cities and counties in Missouri require notaries to obtain a local business license or occupational permit. Requirements vary by jurisdiction; some may require background checks or zoning compliance. This is separate from the state notary commission.
The IRS provides an online EIN application (SS-4) that issues the number immediately.
Single‑member LLCs are treated as sole proprietorships for tax purposes and report income on Schedule C (Form 1040).
Multi‑member LLCs file Form 1065 (U.S. Return of Partnership Income) and issue Schedule K‑1 to members.
Payments are made using Form 1040‑ES.
Most notary offices are low‑hazard, but the recordkeeping requirement still applies if the employee count meets the threshold.
Physical accessibility (ramps, door widths) and effective communication (sign language interpreter, auxiliary aids) may be required.
Notaries must accurately represent their authority (e.g., cannot claim to be a “certified notary” unless the state provides such a designation).
Even a single employee (e.g., a part‑time clerk) triggers FLSA coverage.
Employers must retain I‑9 forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later.
Most small notary LLCs will not meet the employee threshold; include for completeness.
Even a notary who contracts out services (e.g., mobile notary assistants) may trigger this filing.
Most notary offices do not generate hazardous waste; this entry is included for completeness.
Purely informational calls may be exempt; however, any sales pitch triggers the rule.
File the Certificate of Organization online or by mail; retain the filed copy.
Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions Insurance through the IRS ranges from $500.00 to $2000.00 and is a one-time fee; this protects you from potential claims of negligence or errors in your notary services.
The FTC Business Identity and Advertising Compliance has no initial fee, but some related advertising and consumer protection requirements may have variable costs depending on your business practices.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique tax ID number assigned by the IRS, and it’s required for LLCs even if you don't have employees; it's free to obtain.
Federal income tax filing for LLCs is required, and the frequency depends on your business structure; Form 1065 or 1120S filings are typically annual, with costs between $300.00 and $600.00.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requires reporting of Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to prevent money laundering; associated fees vary, and it's crucial to understand the reporting deadlines and requirements.
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