Missouri Notary Stamps – Yes! Required

According to Chapter 486, Revised Statutes of Missouri, each notary should keep a seal to use on every document being notarized. The seal can be either an embosser or inked stamp.

You will need to choose black ink if ordering a stamp, since this is dictated by the above statute. An embossed impression alone will not suffice. It needs to be darkened using a seal impression inker so it is considered reproducible. Photographic reproduction of the seal image is also a state requirement.

Your official Missouri seal should include the notary’s name, commission identification number (if issued after August 28, 2004), and the words “Notary Public”, “Notary Seal”, and “State of Missouri”. County name and commission expiration dates are optional. Be aware every executed notarial certificate must still include this information; it just does not need to appear on the official seal.

Select a rectangular or circular model (each is acceptable), making sure the type is no smaller than eight-points [8-pts]. Due to the amount of information required or requested for the Missouri seal, this sometimes can enforce restricted environments for printers. Again, state statute demands at least 8-pt type. Contact an appropriate vendor for supplies solutions.