Free Missouri Notary Public Written Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Missouri Notary Public Written Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A newly commissioned Missouri notary asks how long the commission normally remains valid if it is not revoked or resigned. What is the statutory term?

   1. A. Four years
   2. B. Three years
   3. C. Five years
   4. D. Six years

   Answer: A

   Explanation: RSMo 486.610 states that a commissioned notary may act “for a term of four years” unless the commission ends earlier. Therefore the normal term is four years.

   Reference: Missouri Revisor of Statutes - Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 486.610 — 486.610

2. 2The Notary Commission Unit requests information while reviewing a complaint. How long does the notified notary have to respond?

   1. A. Ten days
   2. B. Fifteen days
   3. C. Twenty days
   4. D. Thirty days

   Answer: D

   Explanation: 15 CSR 30-100.005 gives a notary “thirty (30) days from receipt” of the notification to respond; failure to respond is grounds for suspension until compliance.

   Reference: Missouri Secretary of State: Code of State Regulations — 15 CSR 30-100.005(1)(G)

3. 3A Missouri notary travels to Kansas and is asked to act solely under the Missouri commission. Where does that commission itself authorize the notary to perform notarial acts?

   1. A. Anywhere in the United States
   2. B. Only in Missouri
   3. C. Missouri and every adjoining state
   4. D. Any state that recognizes Missouri documents

   Answer: B

   Explanation: RSMo 486.610 authorizes a Missouri notary to act “in any part of this state, and only in this state” during the commission term. The Missouri commission alone therefore does not authorize the Kansas act.

   Reference: Missouri Revisor of Statutes - Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 486.610 — 486.610

4. 4What is the minimum age for an applicant seeking a Missouri notary commission?

   1. A. Sixteen
   2. B. Seventeen
   3. C. Eighteen
   4. D. Twenty-one

   Answer: C

   Explanation: RSMo 486.605.2 requires an applicant to “be at least eighteen years of age.” Thus eighteen is the minimum.

   Reference: Missouri Revisor of Statutes - Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 486.605 — 486.605.2

5. 5A nonresident wants a Missouri notary commission. Which circumstance satisfies Missouri's special nonresident qualification?

   1. A. The applicant owns property in Missouri
   2. B. The applicant has a Missouri client
   3. C. The applicant visits Missouri monthly
   4. D. The applicant works in Missouri and will use the seal in that employment

   Answer: D

   Explanation: RSMo 486.605.3 says a nonresident may qualify if the person “works in Missouri and will use the notary seal in the course of his or her employment in Missouri.”

   Reference: Missouri Revisor of Statutes - Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 486.605 — 486.605.3

6. 6Which residency-related qualification applies to every Missouri notary applicant, whether resident or qualifying nonresident?

   1. A. The applicant must reside legally in the United States
   2. B. The applicant must have lived in Missouri for one year
   3. C. The applicant must be a Missouri voter
   4. D. The applicant must own a Missouri residence

   Answer: A

   Explanation: RSMo 486.605.2 requires every applicant to “reside legally in the United States.” Missouri residence, voter registration, and property ownership are not the stated universal requirement.

   Reference: Missouri Revisor of Statutes - Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 486.605 — 486.605.2

7. 7Before Missouri issues a notary commission, what score must an applicant earn on the Secretary of State's examination?

   1. A. 70% or better
   2. B. 80% or better
   3. C. 85% or better
   4. D. 90% or better

   Answer: B

   Explanation: RSMo 486.630.3 requires the applicant to “receive a score of eighty percent or better” on the examination administered by the secretary.

   Reference: Missouri Revisor of Statutes - Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 486.630 — 486.630.3

8. 8What bond amount must be presented before a Missouri notary commission becomes effective?

   1. A. $5,000
   2. B. $7,500
   3. C. $10,000
   4. D. $25,000

   Answer: C

   Explanation: RSMo 486.615.1 requires “a ten thousand dollar bond” to be presented with the oath of office to the county clerk.

   Reference: Missouri Revisor of Statutes - Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 486.615 — 486.615.1

9. 9A surety prepares a Missouri notary bond. Which dates must the four-year bond cover?

   1. A. Four years beginning when the oath is mailed
   2. B. Four years beginning when the seal is purchased
   3. C. Four years beginning when the first act is performed
   4. D. From the commission's issue date through its expiration date

   Answer: D

   Explanation: RSMo 486.615.1 says the bond is for four years “commencing on the commission's issue date and terminating on its expiration date.”

   Reference: Missouri Revisor of Statutes - Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 486.615 — 486.615.1

10. 10An applicant has received a commission letter but has not yet completed the county qualification. Which event makes the commission effective?

    1. A. Presenting the oath and required bond to the commissioning county clerk
    2. B. Receiving approval of the commission application from the Secretary
    3. C. Purchasing the official seal from a registered vendor
    4. D. Entering the first planned notarization in the journal

    Answer: A

    Explanation: RSMo 486.615.1 says the commission “shall not become effective until an oath of office” and the required bond have been presented to the county clerk. The applicant has not yet met that condition.

    Reference: Missouri Revisor of Statutes - Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 486.615 — 486.615.1