Missouri Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Missouri is a certificate completed by a MO-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Missouri law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Missouri notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Missouri notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all MO notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
4 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Required
Journal
Missouri Acknowledgment Wording
Missouri law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Missouri county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Missouri Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Missouri's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me personally appeared _______________, to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he/she executed the same as his/her free act and deed.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal in the County and State aforesaid, the day and year first above written.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me personally appeared _______________, to me known, who being by me duly sworn, did say that he/she is the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and that the seal affixed to the foregoing instrument is the seal of said entity and that said instrument was signed and sealed on behalf of said entity by authority of its governing body, and said person acknowledged said instrument to be the free act and deed of said entity.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me personally appeared _______________ and _______________, to me known to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same as their free act and deed.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Missouri Notary Requirements
Missouri has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Missouri notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $10,000 surety bond is required for Missouri notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in Missouri
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is mandatory and required by law in Missouri
- Seal/Stamp: Missouri notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Missouri
Missouri does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Missouri must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by MO law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Missouri Notary Fees
Missouri regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Missouri.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Missouri Identification Requirements
Missouri notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Missouri.
Sample Missouri Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Missouri-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact MO statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF MISSOURI
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Missouri
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Missouri Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Missouri, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Missouri Resources
Use these official resources to verify Missouri notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Missouri Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Missouri, or that require MO notarization.
Missouri Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
Missouri Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
Missouri Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
Missouri Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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