CA Notary Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements

Question 1

What type of seal is a California notary public required to use as their official seal?

Accepted Answer

A rubber stamp seal that produces a photographically reproducible impression

Answer

An embosser seal only

Answer

Either an embosser or rubber stamp at the notary's discretion

Answer

A wax seal with a personalized insignia

Question 2

Which of the following pieces of information is NOT required to appear on a California notary public's official seal?

Accepted Answer

The notary's home address

Answer

The notary's commission expiration date

Answer

The notary's name as it appears on the commission

Answer

The words 'Notary Public' and 'State of California'

Question 3

The county listed on a California notary public's official seal must be:

Accepted Answer

The notary's county of principal place of business as stated on the application

Answer

The county where the notary most frequently performs notarizations

Answer

The county listed on the notary's driver's license

Answer

Any county in California where the notary is authorized to act

Question 4

What must a California notary public do if their official seal is lost or stolen?

Accepted Answer

Notify the Secretary of State and their bonding company in writing immediately

Answer

Order a replacement seal immediately and continue notarizing

Answer

Suspend all notarial acts until the commission expires

Answer

File a police report only — no other action is required

Question 5

Under California law, who is authorized to use a notary public's official seal?

Accepted Answer

The notary public only, personally

Answer

The notary public and their supervising employer

Answer

Any licensed California notary public

Answer

The notary public and any employee they designate in writing

Question 6

When a California notary public's commission expires or is revoked, what must they do with their official seal?

Accepted Answer

Destroy it so it cannot be misused

Answer

Keep it as a personal memento

Answer

Return it to the Secretary of State

Answer

Transfer it to the county clerk for safekeeping

Question 7

A California notary public receives a new commission after renewing. What should they do with their old seal?

Accepted Answer

Destroy the old seal immediately and begin using a new seal reflecting the new commission information

Answer

Keep both seals and use whichever is most convenient

Answer

Use the old seal until supplies run out, then switch to the new one

Answer

Store the old seal securely as a backup in case the new seal is lost