Notary Public Underwriters Blog
My Employer Paid for My Missouri Notary Commission. Who Owns It?
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- Published: August 18, 2025
Three years ago, when I first became employed by ABC Company in Missouri, I was asked if I would become a notary. ABC Company paid for everything: my commission fees, bond, stamp, and record book.
Last week, my boss informed me that I was no longer needed in my position and that I would be moved to a different location altogether. He asked me to leave my stamp and record book on my desk. What should I do? They paid for it; should I leave everything?
The answer is no. Do not leave your commission certificate, stamp, or record book with any employer—ever.
Your employer may have paid for you to become a notary; however, the commission is in your name, not your employer’s, and notary commissions are not transferable. Your name and personal information were submitted to and approved by the Missouri Secretary of State. The commission belongs to you, regardless of who paid for it.
The Missouri Notary Handbook states: The notary seal is the exclusive property of the notary and the seal may not be used by any other person or surrendered to an employer upon termination of employment.
As for our record book, Missouri notary law states verbatim:
486.715.2. If not in use, the journal shall be kept in a secure area under the exclusive control of the notary and shall not be used by any other notary, nor surrendered to an employer upon termination of employment.
Missouri law is very clear on this. Stand your ground. Safeguard your notary tools. Never leave them with an employer—they are your responsibility and must always remain in your possession.
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