Where to Notarize a Power of Attorney for a Child in Missouri

You have the power of attorney form filled out. The parent has agreed to sign. Now you need a notary public to witness the signatures and make the document legally valid under RSMo 475.602. In Missouri, notarization is mandatory — without it, schools and medical providers can reject the POA outright.

What the Notary Does

A Missouri notary public verifies the identity of the people signing the document and witnesses their signatures. The notary does not review the document for legal accuracy or confirm that it complies with RSMo 475.604 content requirements — that responsibility falls on whoever drafted it. The notary's role is strictly to verify identity and attest that the signers appeared voluntarily.

Both the delegating parent and the attorney-in-fact (the relative accepting care) must sign in front of the notary. If you are getting both parents to sign — which is recommended when both hold legal custody, even though the statute only requires the delegating parent — all signers need to be present at the same notary appointment, or each must sign before a separate notary in separate notarization sessions.

Where to Find a Notary

Missouri notaries are everywhere, but some options are free while others charge a fee. The state-regulated maximum fee for a notarial act in Missouri is $5.00 per signature.

Free notary services:

• Banks and credit unions — most Missouri banks notarize documents for account holders at no charge. Call ahead to confirm a notary is on duty.
• Public libraries — many Missouri library branches offer free or low-cost notary services during business hours
• Military installations — JAG legal assistance offices on military bases provide free notarization for service members and their families
• Employers — larger companies sometimes have a notary on staff in the HR or legal department

Paid notary services:

• UPS Store, FedEx Office, and shipping centers — typically $5–$10 per signature
• Mobile notaries — a notary who comes to you, usually $25–$75 plus travel, depending on the area. Useful when one signer is homebound, hospitalized, or incarcerated and cannot travel to an office.
• Attorney offices — if a lawyer prepared the POA, their office will usually notarize it as part of the service

What to Bring

Every signer needs a valid, government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or passport. The notary will compare the name on the ID to the name on the document. If a parent's legal name has changed since the ID was issued (marriage, divorce, legal name change), bring supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Bring the completed POA form with all blanks filled in but unsigned. The signers must sign in front of the notary. If someone signs before arriving, the notary cannot notarize the signature and you will need to start over with a fresh copy.

Also bring:

• The child's full legal name and date of birth (required on the form under RSMo 475.604)
• The attorney-in-fact's full address and phone number
• Any specific powers you want to enumerate (or mark the general delegation option)

Remote and Online Notarization

Missouri authorized remote online notarization (RON) under RSMo 486.1100–486.1205. This allows a notary to verify identity and witness signatures over a secure video call. If the parent signing the POA lives in another city or state, RON eliminates the need for travel. Both the parent and the relative can appear from separate locations. The notary uses identity-proofing technology and records the video session.

Not all Missouri notaries offer RON, so search for "Missouri remote online notary" or ask your bank if they provide the service. Fees for online notarization are typically $25–$50 per session.

Notarizing When a Parent Is Incarcerated

If the child's parent is in a Missouri jail or prison and is willing to sign the POA, the facility's notary or the facility chaplain (who is often a commissioned notary) can witness the signature. Contact the facility's case manager or social worker to arrange it. Some facilities require advance scheduling and attorney involvement. A mobile notary can also visit the facility if the institution allows outside notaries.

After Notarization

Once notarized, make several certified copies. You will need to provide copies to the child's school, pediatrician, dentist, and any other provider who needs to verify your authority. Keep the original in a secure location — a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box. If the original is lost or destroyed, you will need to execute a new POA from scratch.

The Missouri School and Medical Consent Guide covers the full notarization process, including a pre-appointment checklist so nothing gets missed on the day.

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