Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements Flashcards
7 cards from real CA NOTARY practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements flashcards as text
What type of seal is a California notary public required to use as their official seal?
Answer: A rubber stamp seal that produces a photographically reproducible impression
California law requires notaries to use a rubber stamp seal that produces a photographically reproducible ink impression, ensuring documents can be clearly copied.
Which of the following pieces of information is NOT required to appear on a California notary public's official seal?
Answer: The notary's home address
A notary's home address is not required on the seal; the required elements include the notary's name, 'Notary Public,' 'State of California,' county of principal place of business, commission number, and expiration date.
The county listed on a California notary public's official seal must be:
Answer: The notary's county of principal place of business as stated on the application
The seal must show the county of the notary's principal place of business as stated on their notary application, which is the county recorded with the Secretary of State.
What must a California notary public do if their official seal is lost or stolen?
Answer: Notify the Secretary of State and their bonding company in writing immediately
When a seal is lost or stolen, the notary must immediately notify the Secretary of State and their surety bonding company in writing to protect against misuse.
Under California law, who is authorized to use a notary public's official seal?
Answer: The notary public only, personally
Only the commissioned notary public personally may use their official seal; allowing another person to use it constitutes a violation of California notary law.
When a California notary public's commission expires or is revoked, what must they do with their official seal?
Answer: Destroy it so it cannot be misused
Upon expiration, resignation, or revocation of a commission, the notary must destroy the seal to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent use.
A California notary public receives a new commission after renewing. What should they do with their old seal?
Answer: Destroy the old seal immediately and begin using a new seal reflecting the new commission information
The old seal contains the expired commission information and must be destroyed; the notary must obtain and use a new seal reflecting the updated commission number and expiration date.