Missouri Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions our Missouri customers ask. If you don't see your question here, feel free to contact us for an answer.
What is the purpose of a notary public?
A notary public is a person appointed by a state official to serve the public as a disinterested witness, to take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, and to perform such other acts as are allowed or required by law.
What is a notary bond?
The notary bond is a type of surety bond issued by an approved surety company to protect the public against any wrongdoing on the part of the notary. The surety company guarantees to the public that you, as a notary public, will perform your duties in accordance with the law, and if you do not, the company will pay any damages caused by the incorrect notarization up to the amount of the bond.
What amount of bond is required in Missouri?
Missouri law requires notaries to have a $10,000 notary bond for the entire 4-year term of their commission. To learn more about the required bond, please click here.
Is there an age requirement to become a notary?
Yes. You must be at least 18 years of age. For information on additional requirements to become a Missouri notary public, please click here.
Can I be a Missouri notary if I live in another state?
Yes. The law permits non-residents to obtain a Missouri notary commission if they work in Missouri.
What are the qualifications to become a notary in Missouri?
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be able to read and write English
• Must not have had a notary commission revoked during the past 10 years
If you are a legal resident of Missouri, you must meet theses additional requirements:
• Be a registered voter of the county where applying for commission, or a resident alien of the United States (must submit copy of permanent resident card)
• Must apply for a commission in the county you reside
Non-residents may also apply for a Missouri notary commission by meeting these additional qualifications:
• Must work in the state of Missouri and use the notary commission in the course of your employment
• Must have a business address in the county where applying for commission
• Must authorize the secretary of state as your agent and representative to accept service of any process or service of any notice or demand required or permitted by law to be served upon you
For more information about the qualifications, the application process, or the costs, please review the Become a Notary page.
How do I obtain a notary bond in Missouri?
If you have already applied with the Secretary of State and received a commission letter, visit our website, and select 'Notary Bond.' Enter your information and click "Add to Cart." You may continue on our website to add your notary stamp and any additional supplies you need to your cart. Upon checkout, you will receive instructions for sending us a copy of your commission letter so we can process your order.
If you have not already applied with the Secretary of State, please select 'Become a Notary' or 'Renew Commission' to get started.
How do I become a Missouri notary?
Notary Public Underwriters makes applying to become a Missouri notary public very easy! Simply go to our Become a Notary Page and follow the instructions. You will fill out your online application, customize your notary package, and checkout. Your notary forms and instructions will be immediately available for download after checkout. Just print, sign and send your completed forms to us. We will deliver your forms to the State for approval. Once approved by the State, we will manufacture and ship your order to you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 800.821.0826.
How long is the term of office for a Missouri notary?
4 years.
What type of notary seal is required?
The seal must be capable of affixing an image on a paper notarial certificate and must include the following required elements:
- The notary's name exactly as it appears on their commission
- The notary’s commission identification number
- The words: "Notary Public", "Notary Seal", "State of Missouri", and "My commission expires (commission expiration date)"
- A border in a rectangular or circular shape no larger than 1/16 of an inch surrounding all required text
The seal must be clear and legible. If any part of the seal impression is difficult to read, the notary may type or print the information clearly next to (but not inside) the seal.
How do I renew my Missouri notary commission?
Visit our Renew Commission page to use our quick and easy online application process! You will be able to select the best notary public seal to fit your needs. Not only do we provide a completely customizable package for renewals, we also have an array of products for you to choose from.
Once you have completed the online application and checked out, simply print your notary form, sign, and send the completed forms to us. We will deliver your forms to the State for approval. We will manufacture and ship your notary stamp along with your other supplies to you once the State has approved your application. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 800.821.0826.
When should I renew my Missouri notary commission?
It is best to complete the application at least 3 months prior to your expiration date. This allows ample time for processing and protects you from a lapse in your commission.
Do I have to get a new stamp when I renew?
Yes. Missouri notary laws require notary seals and stamps to include the notary's expiration date. Since the expiration date will change when you renew, you must obtain a new notary stamp or seal that reflects the new expiration date.
Do I have any liability as a notary?
Yes. The public relies on notaries to carry out their duties properly. An error on a notarization could result in someone losing their property or a multi-million dollar transaction being nullified. Consequently, a court may hold you responsible for the loss and enter a judgment against you. Most bond companies require reimbursement if they settle a claim against you. Moreover, you would be accountable for any amount not covered by your bond.
How do I limit my liability?
Know and follow Missouri's notary laws, take responsibility for your own notary education, keep informed about law changes, never make an exception for anyone, use reasonable care and common sense in performing your duties, carry errors & omissions Insurance, and keep a record book.
Am I required to keep a record of my notarial acts?
Yes, Missouri law requires notaries to maintain a chronological journal of all notarial acts (record book). This journal must be a permanently bound book with numbered pages, and notaries are allowed to keep only one active journal at a time.
The notary journal must be retained for at least ten years from the date of the last entry.
For every notarization, the following information must be recorded at the time of the act:
- Date and time of the notarial act
- Type of notarial act performed
- Title, type, or description of the document or proceeding
- Signature, printed name, and address of each principal
- Printed name and address of each requester of the notarial act
- Evidence of identity for each principal, which can include:
- A statement that the person is personally known to the notary
- Details of the ID used, including type, issuing agency, ID number, and expiration or issuance date
- For credible witnesses: their name, address, and signature, along with ID information if not personally known to the notary
- Fee charged, if any
- Location where the notarial act was performed (if different from the notary’s regular place of business)
Important Restrictions:
- Do not record Social Security numbers or credit card numbers in the journal.
- You may include reasons for refusing or being unable to complete a notarial act.
- If you correct a notarial certificate, note the nature and date of the correction in the related journal entry.
What do I do if my notary seal is lost or stolen?
If your notary seal is lost, stolen damaged, or can no longer produce a legible image, you must notify the Secretary of State within ten (10) days of discovering the issue. In cases of theft or vandalism, you should first report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and obtain a police report.
Next, you must notify the Secretary of State using a method that provides a tangible receipt, such as certified mail or email with confirmation. Be sure to include any relevant police report or report number in your communication.
Once your notice is received, the Secretary of State will issue you a new notary commission. After receiving your new commission, you’ll need to purchase a new notary seal before resuming your duties.
What do I do if my notary journal (record book) is lost or stolen?
If your notary journal is lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, or becomes unreadable, you must take action within ten days of discovering the issue. In cases involving theft or vandalism, you should report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and obtain a police report or case number.
After that, you must notify the Secretary of State using a method that provides a verifiable receipt—such as certified mail or electronic transmission with confirmation. Be sure to include a copy or the reference number of the police report, if applicable.
You will need to obtain another record book as maintaining one is required by law.
How do I update my address after moving?
Missouri notaries must report any change in residence, business, or mailing address within 10 days. Send a signed notice—including both your old and new address—to the Secretary of State’s Office using a method that provides a tangible receipt (such as certified mail or email). Include a $5 fee with your notice. You must also notify your bonding company in writing.
You can update your address online by submitting an amendment form, or print and mail the change of address form to the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office, Commissions Division.
How do I update my employer information?
To report a change in employer, you may file an amendment online or complete and mail the amendment form to the Secretary of State’s Office, Commissions Division. A $5 fee is required.
What should I do if my name has changed?
If your name changes due to marriage, court order, or other legal means, notify the Secretary of State within 10 days. Submit a signed notice with your former and new name, a copy of the official name change document, and a $5 fee. Use certified mail or email to provide a tangible receipt.
You must also:
- Notify your bonding company in writing.
- Submit an amended bond to the Secretary of State’s Office.
- Purchase a new notary seal that reflects your updated name exactly as shown in your official confirmation.
Do I have to get a new notary seal if I change my name or county of commission?
Yes, you will need to obtain a new notary stamp or embosser that includes your new notary name and/or county of commission. Be sure to destroy the old stamp or embosser to prevent accidentally using it or from somebody else using it fraudulently.
What does it mean to "notarize a signature"?
“Notarize a signature” is a generic phrase used when administering an oath or taking an acknowledgment, the two most common notarial acts.
What type of notarial acts am I allowed to perform?
As a Missouri notary, the types of notarial acts you are authorized to perform depend on the type of commission(s) you hold:
Traditional Missouri Notaries may perform:
- Acknowledgments
- Jurats (including oaths and affirmations)
- Signature witnessing
- Copy certifications of paper copies made from electronically signed documents
Electronic Notaries (eNotaries) in Missouri may electronically perform:
- Acknowledgments
- Jurats
- Signature witnessing
- Copy certifications
Note: These acts must be done in person with the signer physically present.
Remote Online Notaries (RONs) may perform:
- Acknowledgments
- Jurats
Note: These are limited to remotely located individuals using approved communication technology, and must follow all applicable laws and administrative rules.
How do I administer an oath for a document?
This is called taking a verification on oath, also known as a jurat. Assuming the document is ready for notarization and the signer has been satisfactorily identified and is willing to sign the document, you administer the oath by asking a simple question, “Do you solemnly swear the information contained in this document is the truth, so help you God?” For an oath, you must witness the person signing the document. Be sure to record the notarial act in your record book.
What do I do if a signer objects due to religion?
A legal alternative to an oath is an affirmation. Ask the question: “Do you solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that the information contained in this document is the truth and you do this under the pains and penalties of perjury?"
How do I take an acknowledgment?
Assuming the document is ready for notarization and the signer has been satisfactorily identified and is willing to sign the document, you take the signer’s acknowledgement by asking a simple question: “Do you acknowledge and declare this is your signature, you understand this document, and you willingly signed the document for the purposes stated herein?”
What is the venue?
"State of Missouri, County of ______"
This notation is called the venue. It is the location of the notarization - not the county where you live or work.
Where may I notarize?
A Missouri resident notary may notarize in any county in Missouri. A non-resident notary may notarize in any county in Missouri, provided it is with the course of their employment.
May I notarize my own signature?
No. Notarizing your own signature violates the requirement for impartiality.
May I perform a notarization when I am a party?
No. If you are a party to the transaction or if you have a financial or beneficial interest in the transaction, you may NOT be the notary for this transaction. You would not be impartial, and the transaction could be deemed unlawful or unenforceable.
May I assist a client with legal documents?
No, not unless you are an attorney licensed to practice law in Missouri. Furthermore, you may not explain the contents of a document or give any advice about the document. If you do, you may be found guilty of the unauthorized practice of law.
May I help a friend fill out immigration papers?
No. Only attorneys or qualified immigration specialists may perform these duties.
Why should I keep a record book?
Record books are not only required by law, but an inexpensive way to keep a record of every notarization you perform. There are several advantages, including:
--A record book can serve as a reminder of the steps of notarization.
--A record book may protect you against a claim of negligence or impropriety.
--A record book may help prove you notarized a document when there is a question about your signature or when the notarial certificate is destroyed or marred in some way.
--A record book can refresh your memory about a notarization you do not recall.
--A record book is reliable as evidence in court if you have to testify about a notarization.
--A record book not only protects you, but may also protect your customer and your employer.
When can I expect to receive my purchase?
You can usually expect your order to arrive within 5 to 7 business days after we receive your order. However, please allow up to 12 business days for any carrier delays.
What do I do if my order has not shown up on time?
Please contact us.
How do I pay for my order?
Notary Public Underwriters Agency, Inc. accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards. We also accept check and money orders by mail.
May I cancel or change my order?
This will depend on how far along your order is in the process. Orders are processed as quickly as possible; therefore once your order has been marked as "shipped" on your account page, it is too late to modify or cancel the order. If you think you have made a mistake with your order, please contact customer service. We will see if there is something we can do to help.
How do I file a claim against a notary's bond?
A bond is required by the State to be available in order to compensate any individual harmed as a result of a breach of duty by the notary. Individuals harmed can file a claim against the notary's bond for financial damage.
Claims may occur due to signatures which are forged, incomplete, or otherwise defective in real estate transactions, motor vehicle transfers, and cases where the validity or date of a document may be an issue.
In order to file a claim against a notary bonded through our company you will need to submit the following:
- Copy of improperly notarized document
- Proof of error or fraud by notary
- Letter stating the amount of financial damage or loss caused by the notarization
Please send the above information to:
Claims Department
Notary Public Underwriters
P.O. Box 7457
Tallahassee, FL 32314-7457
Or fax to:
877-856-1663
Attn: Claims Department
For all questions regarding the status of your filed claim, please contact CNA Surety at 800.331.6053.
Who do I contact to check on the status of a claim?
For all questions regarding the status of your filed claim, please contact CNA Surety at 800.331.6053.
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