Notarial Procedures Flashcards

A Missouri notary is asked to notarize a document written in a language they do not understand. What is the proper procedure?

Answer: Proceed as long as the signer communicates with the notary and the notarial certificate is in English

A Missouri notary may notarize a document in a foreign language as long as they can communicate with the signer and the notarial certificate is in English.

What is the proper order of steps when performing a jurat in Missouri?

Answer: Administer oath, witness signing, complete certificate

The proper order for a jurat is: administer the oath/affirmation first, then witness the signer sign the document, then complete the notarial certificate.

Can a Missouri notary notarize a document that has blank spaces to be filled in later?

Answer: No — all documents should be complete before notarization

A Missouri notary should not notarize a document with significant blank spaces, as they could be filled in fraudulently after notarization.

What must a Missouri notary do if a signer appears to be under duress or coercion?

Answer: Refuse to perform the notarial act

If a notary reasonably believes the signer is under duress or coercion, they must refuse to perform the notarial act.

A Missouri notary completes a notarial act but realizes they made an error on the certificate. What is the proper correction procedure?

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

The proper way to correct an error on a notarial certificate in Missouri is to draw a single line through the incorrect information, then initial and date the correction.

Under Missouri law, who is responsible for providing the notarial certificate wording on a document?

Answer: The document signer or preparer

The signer or document preparer is generally responsible for providing or selecting the appropriate notarial certificate wording, not the notary.