AL Notary Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following details is NOT required on an Alabama notary public's official seal?
- The notary's commission expiration date (Correct answer)
- The notary's name
- The words 'Notary Public'
- The words 'State of Alabama'
Correct answer: The notary's commission expiration date
While the commission expiration date is important information, it is not a required element of the physical seal impression itself under Alabama law.
Question 2: If an Alabama notary's seal impression on a document is illegible or incomplete, what may result?
- The notarization may be considered defective or invalid (Correct answer)
- The document is automatically voided and must be destroyed
- The notary must pay a fine to the county probate office
- Nothing, as the signature alone is sufficient in Alabama
Correct answer: The notarization may be considered defective or invalid
A legible seal impression is required for a valid notarization; an illegible seal may cause the document to be questioned or rejected by courts or recording offices.
Question 3: An Alabama notary's seal must include the name of which geographic area to indicate jurisdiction?
- The county in which the notary is commissioned (Correct answer)
- The city or town where the notary resides
- The congressional district of the notary
- The ZIP code area of the notary's office
Correct answer: The county in which the notary is commissioned
Alabama notary seals must include the county of commission, as notarial authority is granted at the county level through the probate judge.
Question 4: What must an Alabama notary do with their seal when their notary commission expires?
- Discontinue use of the seal and destroy or secure it (Correct answer)
- Return the seal to the county probate office immediately
- Transfer the seal to the next appointed notary in their county
- Submit the seal to the Alabama Secretary of State for archiving
Correct answer: Discontinue use of the seal and destroy or secure it
Upon expiration of the commission, the notary must stop using the seal since they no longer hold authority; destroying or securing it prevents misuse.
Question 5: Which statement correctly describes the use of an embossing seal by an Alabama notary?
- An embossing seal is acceptable but ink stamps are also permitted (Correct answer)
- An embossing seal is the only type recognized under Alabama law
- Embossing seals are prohibited because they cannot be photocopied
- An embossing seal must also include the notary's photograph
Correct answer: An embossing seal is acceptable but ink stamps are also permitted
Alabama permits both embossing seals and inked stamp seals, giving notaries flexibility in choosing the type that best suits their practice.
Question 6: If an Alabama notary moves to a different county, what action must be taken regarding the notary's seal?
- The notary must obtain a new commission and seal reflecting the new county (Correct answer)
- The notary may continue using the same seal for the remainder of the commission term
- The notary must obtain written approval from the original probate judge to continue
- The notary's commission automatically transfers to the new county without action
Correct answer: The notary must obtain a new commission and seal reflecting the new county
Alabama notary commissions are county-specific, so relocating to a different county requires obtaining a new commission—and thus a new seal—for that county.
Question 7: What information does an Alabama notary seal help establish when a document is presented in court?
- The identity of the notary and that a notarial act was performed (Correct answer)
- That the underlying transaction was legally reviewed by an attorney
- That the document was filed with the state court system
- That the document's contents have been verified as truthful
Correct answer: The identity of the notary and that a notarial act was performed
The seal establishes the notary's identity and confirms that an official notarial act occurred, lending evidentiary weight to the document in legal proceedings.
AL Notary Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 2
Which of the following details is NOT required on an Alabama notary public's official seal?