AnalysisSome states offer shortcuts or advantages to attorneys who want to become Notaries, such as exemptions from a qualifying test (NY) or course (NC), or lifetime commissions (OH, WI). This new Missouri law offers perhaps the most generous dispensation of all to attorneys – automatic status as a Notary to any attorney licensed to practice in the state. The NNA opposed Senate Bill 420 since it believes that all persons should qualify for the office of Notary Public in the same manner and take the same courses and tests to prove their knowledge of notarial practices and principles. However, it remains unclear at this time whether or not attorneys in Missouri will have to take the mandatory educational course, keep a journal, and use a seal, as all other commissioned Missouri Notaries must do.
Read Senate Bill 420.