I quite agree that ineffectual licensing is worse than no licensing at all.  Especially if the licensing requirement isn't even enforced.  I have reviewed the information I could find on Missouri licensing, and we have attempted to contact them for clarification.  I really don't think the Missouri department of insurance understands the realities of today's title industry and their system does not appear to be a good one to base the licensing of abstractors.

Consider something more in the line of what appraisers must do to be licensed.  They are required to take courses in appraisals and then actually have an apprenticeship.  They must work under a licensed appraiser for a certain number of hours.  This makes sense in our industry as well.  Since most of us seem to agree that the only way to truly understand abstracting is through on-the-job training. 

The states need to adopt some uniform standards for licensing abstractors - AND enforce their licensing requirements.   It does no good at all if you require licensing, but not take any action against those who provide abstracts without a license.

Thank you for the comments.  This is a worthwhile discussion to have... maybe someone will take notice of our discussions and do something about it.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
SOURCE OF TITLE