- Missouri Notary Journal and Seal Requirements Questions and Answers Flashcards

When a Missouri notary's commission ends, what must they do with their seal?

Answer: Destroy or deface the seal to prevent unauthorized use

When a Missouri notary's commission ends, they must destroy or deface their seal to prevent it from being used to fraudulently notarize documents.

How often must a Missouri notary make entries in their journal?

Answer: At the time of or immediately after each notarial act

Journal entries should be made at the time of or immediately after each notarial act to ensure accuracy and completeness.

What is the purpose of the notary seal impression on a notarial certificate?

Answer: To authenticate the notary's official act and provide verification information

The seal impression authenticates the notary's official act and provides verification information including the notary's name, commission number, and expiration date.

Can a Missouri notary allow someone else to use their seal or stamp?

Answer: No — the notary seal is personal and must only be used by the commissioned notary

A Missouri notary's seal is personal to them and must never be used by anyone else, regardless of their status as a notary.

A Missouri notary discovers an error in a previous journal entry. How should they correct it?

Answer: Draw a line through the error, write the correction, and initial and date the change

Journal corrections should be made by drawing a line through the error (keeping it legible), writing the correct information, and initialing and dating the correction.

Where must a Missouri notary affix their seal on a notarial certificate?

Answer: Near the notary's signature on the notarial certificate

The notary's seal should be affixed near the notary's signature on the notarial certificate for clear association between the signature and the seal.