Details on Pre-2010 Paper Mission Application Form
Please Note: This article below provides details on the paper forms that were used in the mission application process around the year 2010 and earlier. Today (I’m writing this note in 2022), almost all mission paperwork is submitted through the online application process, the Missionary Online Recommendation System (MORS), accessible through the Church’s official Missionary Portal. Please see my other articles on the MORS for more up-to-date and accurate information.
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The mission application form, also known as the Missionary Recommend Packet or the Checklist for Full-Time Missionary Recommendation, is the official paperwork you will need to fill out when applying to go on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can get the paper mission application form (a sometimes a PDF version of it) from your bishop or branch president. The eight sections of the form are:
- Missionary Recommendation
- Priesthood Leaders’ Comments and Suggestions
- Education and Service of Missionary Candidate
- Unit Information for Missionary Candidate
- Personal Health History of Missionary Candidate
- Physician’s Health Evaluation
- Dental Evaluation for Missionary Candidate
- Personal Insurance Information of Missionary Candidate
1. Missionary Recommendation
The first section of the mission application form is called the Missionary Recommendation. This is where you fill out your name, address, and other contact information. In this section you attach a photograph of yourself, dressed according to missionary dress standards. You will fill in your birth date, confirmation date, and any criminal record you might have. This part of the application asks for your citizenship information, and residency documents, if applicable. You will need to provide the name, occupation, and contact information of your parents, or caregiver if you live with someone other than your parents.
2. Priesthood Leaders’ Comments and Suggestions
The priesthood leader section has two parts. First is the Bishop’s or Branch President’s Recommendation. Once you have completed all your paperwork, your bishop will review it and give you a worthiness interview. He will ask about your testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and make sure you are worthy, willing, and able to serve a mission. Then he will write a few comments on your application on what he thinks of your leadership potential, interests, talents, or limitations that should be considered in determining the mission assignment. A similar interview and written assessment will then also be done by your stake president, or mission president if you live in an area where no stake is organized.
3. Education and Service of Missionary Candidate
On this part of the mission application form, you are asked your native language and other languages you speak or have studied. You will then describe your education, including seminary and institute, work experience, and military service. Here you also specify any extracurricular activities, special skills, accomplishments, previous Church callings, and other leadership experience. This is also the section where you will outline how you will be financing your mission. You will be asked to describe your source of funds, indicating how much money will be contributed from yourself, your family, your ward or branch, and other sources. You are also given the opportunity in this section to explain any special circumstances that the Brethren should consider when making your mission call.
4. Unit Information for Missionary Candidate
Most of the information that needs to be filled out in this section will be provided by someone in your ward or branch such as the clerk. This information includes: your membership record number, your home ward or branch unit number, the name of your bishop or branch president, and the name of your stake president.
5. Personal Health History of Missionary Candidate
This is a section that you will fill out yourself or with the help of your parents. You are asked here to specify whether have currently, have had previously, or have never had about 50 different medical conditions, including: serious injuries, various diseases, allergies, seizures, asthma, diabetes, tattoos, skin conditions, severe headaches, insomnia, tumors, cancers, learning disabilities, emotional instability, been a victim of abuse, used illegal drugs, etc. You will need to answer all of the questions completely and honestly.
6. Physician’s Health Evaluation
This section of the mission application form will be filled out by your medical doctor. The Doctor will note your height, weight, and blood pressure. He or she will do a urinalysis and various tests: blood tests, a tuberculosis test, etc. The doctor will fill in your immunization dates (MMR, Polio, Hepatitis A and B), and give an overall missionary fitness report (the doctor’s assessment of your ability to serve) and note any physical or medical limitations. This part of the form is concluded with the physician’s signature, name, address, and other contact information.
7. Dental Evaluation for Missionary Candidate
Every missionary candidate needs to have a complete oral examination and corresponding form sections filled out by your dentist. All dental treatment, including active orthodontic treatment (braces), must be completed before a prospective missionary begins to serve. (Wearing a retainer appliance is not considered active treatment.) Have your dental examination early, perhaps as early as 6 months before you plan to go on your mission, to allow plenty of time to complete all dental treatment or your application may be delayed. The dentist will need to certify that you will be free of dental problems during the next two years (assuming proper oral hygiene is practiced). For many missionaries this means having wisdom teeth removed before going on a mission.
8. Personal Insurance Information of Missionary Candidate
The final section of the mission application form is several pages of authorizations, releases of information, and medical privacy notices that you and your parents will need to sign. Health insurance is not required, but if you have health insurance coverage, please do not cancel it. You will need to provide information about your health care policy so the Church can properly process your medical expenses for events that may happen on your mission. If you become sick or injured during the mission, the Church will provide initial payment for medical expenses, but that is not intended to replace your personal insurance. Health care expenses paid by the Church on your mission are made from the general funds of the Church and are thus sacred in nature and should be treated as such.
Mission Paperwork Complete
Once your portions of the mission application are complete, you will need to make an appointment with your bishop and stake president. They will review your application and confirm that you are physically, mentally, and spiritually ready to serve a mission and they they ultimately submit the application to Church headquarters for you.
Related Articles
You may also want to check out this high-level overview of the Mission Call Process, as well as this Mission Application Timeline article which talks about the application process with particular emphasis on the timing of each step.
If only more people would hear this..
Dear brother in christ
my name is pastor R.Raphael in pakistan I join mormon church.please you vist me in pakistan
God bless you
Pastor.R.Raphael
God bless You 🙂
That’s great!!!
Halo Dear Rev.I am from Kenya and i am interested in joining the Mormon Missionaries for formation process.How do i join? Kindly assist me to reach my Vocation.Thanks In Advance. Yours In Christ Service Anthony Wahome Kinyua. Phone Number +254721895215
Thanks for your interest in receiving restored gospel of Jesus Christ am a Kenyan and it will be okay if you state the region you come from so that we can know the missionary contact we can give you
If you can, please visit the chat page on Mormon.org: https://www.mormon.org/site/chat
There you can talk to a missionary who can take your information and put you in contact with local Mormon missionaries. God bless.
need to have my papers done..
Does anyone know what day of the week the General authorities sit at the computer screens and decide which missionary goes to what mission. I have heard Monday, some people say Friday. Is there a specific day and when is it?
@KD check out this post for your answer: https://www.latterdaysaintmissionprep.com/call-process/day-of-the-week/
Hey Jimmy,
I am in the process of filling out paperwork as we speak. I just found out that my insurance doesn’t cover foreign missionaries. Is this going to affect my call and prevent me from serving foreign? 🙁 Also, I heard that the church actually has an insurance plan that you can buy into as actual insurance as a missionary for full coverage…is this true?
Brenna, This should not affect your call nor prevent you from serving wherever the Lord wants to send you. Missionaries are not required to have medical insurance. If they have health coverage prior to their mission, they are asked to keep that insurance so as to keep costs lower for the Church. But if missionaries are not covered by their own health insurance, the Church will pay necessary medical costs while they are on their mission. I hope this help. Good luck and God bless.
Do missionaries need a valid passport to submit papers or can they submit for passport after
Mary, Missionaries do not need valid passports at the time they submit their mission papers. If you get called to a foreign country, you’ll be instructed in your mission papers to begin the process to get a passport. I hope this help. Good luck and God bless.
Hello,
Hello,
I am currently trying to apply for a mission when I’ve found out about number 7(dental evaluation). Is there any chance that I might be allowed to go on a mission with my braces on? It might take me a couple of years before my treatment would be finished.
This is something you’ll have to discuss with your bishop and your dentist. I’m not aware of any exceptions to this rule, but please let me know how it turns out for you. Good luck and God bless you in your mission preparation.
Do missionaries need a passport (before or during the application) just to get called to a foreign country? Just curious..
Thank you!
No, you do not need a passport before or during the application process. If you get called to a foreign country, the mission call letter will instruct you to go get a passport. If you anticipate a foreign call, you can get a passport in advance of you mission call, but it’s optional.
Hi,
I see my peers eager to serve as missionaries. I have delayed for a full 1 year and now I have decided to leave everything I love at home and serve as a full time missionary!
Do I have to attend Missionary Prep Classes?
Inez Emilio, you do not have to attend a formal mission prep class. But you should do all within your power to prepare both spiritually and physically. Study your scriptures. Learn the basic principles and doctrines of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Talk to returned missionaries in your ward or family and ask them what else you can do to prepare. As you prayerfully seek to prepare to be a missionary I know the Lord will bless you to know how to best prepare to be His representative. Good luck and God bless.
Do you have to have a doctor that you go to regularly? or can you just to go a clinic and get the physical done?
A physical at a clinic should be fine, as long as it is a real medical doctor who does the evaluation.
Thank you!(:
my problem is slight different, i receive my patriarchal blessing last year, and it was specifically say that i will serve a full time mission. so i told myself that if this is what i was told to do, i should do it. but,now i have 2 more semester in college before i graduate and i sort of change my plan on going. i feel that my family needs my help financially. my parents encourage me to go serve which was also something that i been waiting for, but as the second to the eldest of 4 children i too feel that i should help support my family..
Need some advise!! plssss
Maybe you will serve as a senior missionary instead of now.
Julie i feel you should make the decision to go on a Full-time Mission. i think if you and/or your family has been paying a full Tithing you WILL be provided for both on the Field and your family aswell. i suggest you Fast, pray and the most importantly DO(start on your Papers). hope this helps. PEACE from New Zealand
Right now I’m planning to serve a mission. When it asked about medications, I’m currently taking birth control to help prevent acne and PMS. Will taking medication effect my mission call? And should I try to get off the birth control before my mission?
Thanks!
Some medications can affect your mission call. But I suspect you’re okay with this and won’t need to come off it.
I filled out everything needed on the application. i just wanted to know,if the money i saved wil be send with my papers to Utah or after the mission call
You pay the money for your mission to your home ward. Give it to your bishop just like you would tithing. You can pay the entire amount up front, if you want. But most people pay $400 each month.
And also wanted to know if my patriarchal blessing wil be needed when my papers are send to Utah,cos i have nt got my patriarchal blessing on paper yet.wil that cause delays?
You can send in your papers even if you don’t have a patriarchal blessing. But you will need to get your patriarchal blessing before you enter the MTC. Good luck and God bless.
Hi!
I wanted to join missionary
but the problem is that i dont have
enough money to support my plan
is there any organization here in philipines
that can i ask for help? Thanks
Mark, Your support organization is your ward and stake, and your family and friends. If you have desires to go on a mission, please go talk to your bishop. If you have done everything you can to prepare for your mission (physically and spiritually), your bishop will help you find a way to go. Good luck, and God bless you.
Thanks brother jimmy god bless you.
hi bro jimmy
i wanna ask how long should i wait to apply for full time missionary cause was a newly converted member
and im already 24 year old now
I know they want you to be braces free, but what if yoy were planning on doing orthodontic treatment after your mission? Would that work?
You’re right. You can’t be undergoing active orthodontic treatment during your mission. You can do it before or after your mission, whatever works for you.
Hi… I’m Bro. Darwin Zuzon Manao from the PHILIPPINES and its been a long time for me to wait for my mission call… and one time I asked my President in our Branch, he’s not working on my Application papers, I can say that his busy or I don’t know if there are some reasons for him for not passing my mission application… That makes me disappointed but still I trying my best again to be called as a full time missionary… I want to serve God, I want to share to my fellow man here on earth all of the things that they must know about the Gospel of Jesus Christ… I have red a quote one time and I did relate from “If you wait for perfect conditions you’ll never get anything done.” realized something about it…haaaays… can some one help me??? just email me please..thanks
Open a Fast, pray, then ACT(go tell your branch President)
Waiting ka pa ba?
I want to start my papers within the month but I don’t get my braces off for another few months so would it be ok to submit my papers while I still have braces as long as my available date is after I get them off?
It is perfectly fine to submit your mission papers while your braces are still on, just so long as your braces will be coming off before your mission availability date.
brother jimmy…
i want application form., because i want to go mission as soon as possible, but in our church there’s no more application form,, what are we gonna do?
I have updated my article on mission papers with information on how to order the missionary recommendation form.
hi bro jimmy
i wanna ask im just a newly converted member
i wanna apply for full time missionary
how long should i need to wait?
cause right now im 24 years old
New converts are supposed to wait until a year after their baptism before going on a mission. The age limit for young men to serve is also 25 years old. So the timing might be tricky. You’ll have to talk to your bishop to see if it is possible. You can put your mission papers in 8 months after your baptism. Good luck and God bless.
hi,i was told i can do the application form online but i dont get it where is the application form
My article on mission papers talks about how to get access to the online application form.
On the Education and Service Form: What might one say on the part that says “Explain any special circumstances or situations that the Brethren should consider when making your mission call.” What is the purpose of this part? What do you think people put there? What should I consider putting there? Is it okay to leave it blank? I’m confused on what’s supposed to go there and want to understand it’s purpose more and learn what others may have put there or whatever will help me understand?
The place they give you to explain any special circumstances pertains to your whole application and not only relating to education and service. This section can be used to explain anything about yourself or your situation that you feel may not have been adequately covered elsewhere. Perhaps a health situation, or family circumstances. We had someone from our stake use this section to tell the brethren that he did not want to go to Korea on his mission. He was from Korea originally, but had moved to the United States. If he went back to Korea, he would be forced to enlist in the South Korea military. He used this section to explain this situation to the Brethren. I hope this helps. Good luck, and may God bless and be with you.
Hi, on the dental evaluation form it says: type or print clearly, using black ink. somehow my dentist missed that part and wrote everything in blue, how will this effect my application?
It will have no effect. It will be fine.
Hey Jimmy!
My name is Okwu Jovanporter Uche fro Nigeria… I’ve got alot of questions to ask you can Call me on phone or email me (+2348166654238/jovanporteruche@yahoo.com) or u add me on facebook with the Jovan Porter Uche Wachuku. Thanks!
Can a nurse practitioner do the physical and sign the form? If not, what if an MD countersigns? Thanks!
Can I just get my physical done at CareNow or no?
I have a great desire to go on mission and serve our Heavenly Father’s wonderful children. My obstacle is some of my family members hence they find it being a waste of time and are not at all willing to support me. I have tried talking to my mom but she cannot say yes to my decision with all her heart and promised that if I go, she wouldn’t support me financially. I am so confused but deep inside my heart dwells a great desire to serve the Lord.
I am a young girl looking to go on a mission. I put a 6 month ahead of time leave for work, but they said they cannot approve my days. Also, they said they would need prooof what proof can i give them?
hi i am a college student,and i want to go on a mission.
Hi Can I attach the full immunization record with all required shots for the missions. And my doctor can put information on the PPD results and x-rays on the doctor evaluation form?
Hi jimmy, I’m planning to start filling out my papers soon but I have a question can I still serve even though I am not a U.S citizen? What if I get called out of state? What will I do?
Hey Jimmy, I’m 23 years and Two Months and twenty three days old as of writing this, I’m currently unemployed, I’m trying to get a job because I’m going to have financial obligations I.e. car and car insurance, which will run$200 a month plus $200 a month rent, living with parents, but have to pay rent, anyway I have been wanting to go on a mission because I feel it will greatly bless myself and my family, I’ve thought of selling all that I possess for this opportunity so I may be able to serve with the proper funds in time, or getting two jobs to help pay for it, I’m just wondering if selling my collectibles, DVD’s, instruments, any non vital materials in my possession to pay for a mission would be a good thing too do. My family says they support me, but they are saying I’m 23 years old and its time to start paying for things on my own, which I get, I’m just afraid with my financial obligations I may not be able to cover the cost 100% and if that would bar me from going on a mission also I have high functioning autism and I wonder if that would prevent me from serving a full time mission as a prostyliting missionary.
I think it’s a great idea to sell your possessions in order to pay for your mission. The New Testament teaches us that Jesus invited a man to “sell all that thou hast…and come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22) I think, by extension, Christ has made the same invitation to each of us. I think if you do everything you can to pay for your mission, that the way will be opened for you to serve. Talk to your bishop about your desire to serve a mission. Together with him and your family, I’m sure you’ll be able to formulate a plan to pay for your mission and be prepared in every other way to serve the Lord with all your heart for two years as a missionary. It is a wonderful desire to want to serve a mission and I know the Lord will bless you as you pursue that righteous goal. Your medical issues may have some influence and where and how you serve a mission, but you should still be able to serve. Again, discuss all these things with your bishop. He is the Lord’s representative to counsel you on these matters. Be prayerful. Good luck. And may God bless and be with you.
How soon after becoming a member can my son go on a mission. He is 20 btw.
He can leave for his mission one year after his baptism. Or, in other words, he can put as his availability date, the one year anniversary of his baptism. He can, of course, begin his paperwork several months prior to that. Good luck.
Sir I am gracejoy from Nigeria and I want to be a missionary am 20years am still an undergraduate and I have meet men of God to help me all fail until I saw this site today and I don’t no but I no u can help me am not rich or buoyant but I have Christ that lives in me pls email me or any thing I will love to hear from u thank u sir.
That’s so wonderful that you have the desire to serve the Lord! I do as well! I plan to serve an LDS mission as soon as I graduate high school. If you have the desire to serve and talk to the proper authority for guidance and help,you will find a way to be a missionary. If you ever have any more questions, feel free to reply. I’d be honored to help 🙂
Do parents of missionaries need to carry car insurance for their missionaries while on their mission?
Good question. I’m guessing not. Parents should continue to carry their youth on their health insurance. But I don’t recall ever reading anything about car insurance. I’ll have to look into it and get back to you. Or, in the meantime, if you find out, please let me know. Thanks.
Debbie wrote me back and said, “I found out after calling Salt Lake. They do not need auto insurance. It’s covered.”
can i ask where can i find a missionary online application form? 🙂 reply asap pleaseee! thanks. God Bless!
https://missionaryrecommendations.churchofjesuschrist.org/
Daniel, What a beautiful request! So many berever we might be. The place to start is to talk to your bishop or branch presidenefore you have desired this same thing. Although the church would have to extend a formal call to you to serve a mission, and that would mission would only extend for two years, we can serve our Lord and Master every day of our lives by living the gospel, by loving those around us and building the kingdom of God wht. He can help you know what to do to realize your desire. God bless you!
How many months in advance of my availability date can I turn in my mission papers?
Papers can be turned in 4 months prior to your availability date. See my post on the Mission Application Timeline.
Hi!
I would ask .. because the Elders of Latinoamerica little we are sent to Europe, North and south america? Just send us right here in Central America 🙂
Can a sister missionary send her application even if she’s 18 years old and can she serve at that age if she’s already available.
Yes. You can apply even if you’re not yet in the right missionary age. You will be filling out a box that asks about your availability date. Put a date when you’re already 19 years old
I’m currently working on my mission papers, but I’m a little confused about who is supposed to sign in the witness signature boxes. Can it be my parent or does it have to be a nurse?
In my case, I let one of the members of our ward to sign the witness section.
So anyone can sign the witness section?
Hey I have a quick question . . . Can I submit all the paperwork if my hepatitis vaccine is still in process and will be completed within a month ?
I believe so.
Hi! I would like to submit my papers as soon as possible, but I still need to get my wisdom teeth out. Does that have to be done before turning in my papers or do I just have to have it scheduled sometime before my availability date? Thanks!
It just needs to be scheduled and take place before going into the MTC.
If you are on very common medication does that prevent you from serving foreign? Or if you are called, how do you fill prescriptions?
I’m guessing it wouldn’t prevent you from serving foreign, but arrangements would need to be made for you to get your meds, either in the local country or be shipped to you. This is something you’ll definitely want to discuss with your priesthood leaders as you are submitting your application. You may also call church headquarters, the missionary department, to see what they say. Good luck!
Hello, I had a question regarding requirements for going on a mission. So my cousin has put in her mission papers but with her being big boned/over weight it got denied. My question is, why is there a weight limit? I get they don’t want anything happening with them or them having problems walking or riding bikes for a couple of miles but if you have the desire to really serve then why have a weight limit? Especially if the person is active and enjoys playing sports for fun but she’s just big boned due to being an islander. It’s not easy for islanders to lose weight due to us being big boned but we are very active when it comes to playing sports so why stop someone from serving when she/he is fine walking or riding a bike. It’ll even help them she’d a few pounds on the mission field walking and riding the bike.
If a candidate have HIV, Is he still able to serve a full time mission?
I don’t know for sure. You’ll definitely want to talk to your priesthood leaders and if they don’t know, you may need to call the church missionary department. I presume that if the missionary has access to the medications needed, this by itself would not prohibit missionary service. Good luck and God bless.
Just reading comments of our brethren made me feel happy and excited. I am planning to go on a mission next year because i just turned 18 last October. Can I start preparing for my application now? Or ill need to wait next year, til i turn 19? Thank you and God Bless you and your Family.
Im not sure if you can help with this or not. I have started filling out my mission health history but I accicdntly saved it and i need to edit it. I cannot find how to do this. Thanks
pls am filling my mission form online, but I cant go any further cus I don’t av an lds account, I tried opening one but they said I already have, am very confused now.what do I do.
hi everyone, please how long does it’s keep for your bishop to Finnish signing your mission call papers and the interview s
Please I have a dental problem and have already submitted my forms. Can this affect my mission
How can a missionary receive a call without having their financial affairs in order? I am a cosigner on a car loan and the person I am signed with has their farewell scheduled and their call received and accepted. It doesn’t seem too honest in their business dealings when the responsibility legally falls on me because their plans changed. Someone doing this should not be serving the Lord until their financial affairs are in order and someone else isn’t having to worry about their payments. It doesn’t seem right or honest. I feel like they should wait until the car is sold, paid off and then submit papers. I feel like Heavenly Father wants us to do things in order, not just submit papers without having this “worldly ” stuff taken care of.
My name is Mmeri, from Nigeria.
My sister’s international passport age is 19 while her record in the church is 25yrs.
And also, the surname on the international passport is different from the one in her church record.
Please how would this affect her mission?
Is it possible possible for her to serve without complications?
How do we solve this issue?
please i need advice, am the only LDS member in my family, and i love to go on mission, but my parent insist that i should go to school.
please i need advice, my own family are member, except for my dad. but my mum and dad divorce when i was in year 9. we been supported by our dad side. one thing is they are not a member and its hard to explain to them that, after my year 13 i wanna go on my mission. right now i’m in year 13 and i planned to serve my mission next year, but i don’t know how to explain to them, cause they might thought they spend alot of money on me rather continue my university.
need helps.