How to start mission papers
Mission papers are your missionary recommendation. You start with your bishop, and your stake president sends it in, up to 150 days before you’re ready to serve. Here’s what the Church’s official pages say.
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Sometimes called “Mormon mission papers.” The Church asks that its full name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be used instead of “Mormon,” and we follow that.
The steps
Six steps. The first is a talk with your bishop.
- Step 1Meet with your bishop He opens your online recommendation.
- Step 2Doctor and dentist exams Both required. Start early: they can take months.
- Step 3Interviews Bishop first, then stake president.
- Step 4Your stake president submits Up to 150 days before your availability date.
- Step 5Your call comes Called by the Prophet, assigned by an Apostle.
- Step 6 Temple, then set apart Newly called missionaries are encouraged to receive the temple endowment as soon as possible. Your stake president sets you apart close to your start date. About the endowment · How to prepare
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For young men: Being ordained an elder before your mission →
When to submit
Your papers can go in up to 150 days before your availability date.
- Availability date: the day you’re ready: old enough, confirmed for at least 1 year, and finished with high school (or no longer attending).
- Sooner is better: the sooner it’s in, the closer to that date you’re likely to leave.
Health and cost
Tap to open · exams, wisdom teeth, paying
Exams are required. Money shouldn’t stop you.
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Doctor and dentistBoth exams required. Allow up to several months.
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Wisdom teethHealthy ones no longer have to come out.
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CostYour bishop talks with your family about the monthly contribution. No one prepared should be delayed for money.
If your MTC start date gets moved
Start dates can move. A visa is a common reason. Here’s who to contact.
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Your stake presidentNeed to postpone, or something urgent? Start here. He can talk with Missionary Travel for you.
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Travel and itineraryEmail Missionary Travel. No itinerary about 2 weeks before you travel? Tell your stake president.
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Passport or visaA visa can delay your departure. Questions: missionary visas.
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At-home MTCIt starts on the date in your call letter. No word by 5 PM Utah time the Friday before? Email TrainSec or call 385-384-2942.
Your stake president sets you apart as close as possible to your start date. Waiting on a visa? Passport & visa guide →
Sources: At-Home MTC FAQ · Provo MTC FAQ · General Handbook 24.5.3
Questions
Tap to open · 12 common questions
What are mission papers?
“Mission papers” is the everyday name for your missionary recommendation. The Church’s missionary FAQ calls it submitting your papers.
How do I start filling out mission papers?
First meet with your bishop. He gives you access to the Missionary Online Recommendation system. If you attend a young single adult (YSA) ward away from home, talk to your YSA bishop first. He will work with your home ward bishop.
How early can you start mission papers?
Your stake president may submit your recommendation up to 150 days before your availability date. Church leaders encourage you to start working with your bishop well before that 150-day window.
What is an availability date?
It is the date you are ready to begin serving. It must be when you have reached the qualifying age, have been a confirmed member for at least one year, and have finished high school, secondary school or the equivalent, or are no longer attending.
Will I start my mission on my availability date?
Not always. The official planning tools show a likely window, not a set date. The sooner your stake president submits your recommendation, the more likely you are to leave closer to your availability date.
Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Not if they are healthy. The Church says removing healthy wisdom teeth is no longer required. Exams by both a doctor and a dentist are required.
Who do I contact if my MTC start date changes or I need to postpone?
Contact your stake president. He can speak with Missionary Travel for you. Itinerary questions go to missionarytravel@
What if I am not sure when to go?
Counsel with the Lord, your family and your priesthood leaders. The Church’s planning page says choosing to spend more time preparing does not mean you are any less willing, worthy or obedient.
How much does an LDS missionary pay per month?
Missionaries from the U.S. and Canada pay $400 a month, the same for Elders and Sisters wherever they serve. Your bishop or ward clerk confirms the current amount. Money shouldn’t stop anyone from serving: your bishop can adjust the amount, and ward or stake members can help.
How old do you have to be to serve a mission?
Single men can serve from ages 18 to 25 and single women from 18 to 29. Senior missionaries can serve from age 40.
How long is an LDS mission?
Young Elders usually serve 24 months and young Sisters 18 months. Senior couples can ask to serve 6, 12, 18 or 23 months.
What disqualifies you from serving a mission?
There’s no public checklist. Calls go to members who are worthy and able: serious sin must be repented of before the stake president sends your recommendation, and young teaching missionaries must be physically, mentally and emotionally able to work the full missionary schedule.
Sources and fine print
Tap to open · 8 official pages + fine print
- Missionary Frequently Asked Questions (official, published )
- General Handbook, 24.4 “Recommending Missionaries” and 24.4.3 “Submitting Recommendations” (official)
- Planning When to Serve a Mission, with the Submission and Release Date Planning Tools (official)
- Church Newsroom: Preparing to Serve as a Full-Time Missionary ()
- About the Temple Endowment, temples.ChurchofJesusChrist.org (official)
- General Handbook, 24.5.1 “Temple Endowment and Temple Service” and 24.5.3 on setting apart (official)
- At-Home MTC Training FAQ (official, updated )
- Provo MTC On-Site Training FAQ (official)
Fine print
- In a YSA ward away from home? Start with your YSA bishop. He works with your home ward bishop.
- Interviews cover health and finances first, then testimony and worthiness. Give complete medical, mental health and background information.
- If it applies, leave at least 2 weeks between your start date and your 18th birthday, graduation or 1-year membership mark.
- Special timing needs? Note them on the recommendation form.
- Many countries require certain vaccinations. Wisdom teeth removal should be considered when they show signs of disease or pose a significant risk.
- Starting November–May typically means fewer new missionaries in the MTC and in your group.
- Full term: 24 months for Elders, 18 months for Sisters. The Release Date Planning Tool works backward from a release date.
- “Choosing to spend more time preparing does not mean you are any less willing, worthy, or obedient.” (Planning When to Serve a Mission)
- Provo MTC: some missionaries who would train over Christmas start a week earlier because of a travel “blackout” week (Provo MTC FAQ).
- Questions about your own situation? Ask your bishop or branch president.
. Official pages, your call packet and the Missionary Portal are always the final word. GotMyCall is unofficial and not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Getting ready to serve? How to prepare for a mission →
Planning the budget? See how much a mission costs.
After your call: most missionaries start the MTC online from home. At-home MTC: what to expect →