CA Notary Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 2

Question 1

California law requires that a notary's seal impression must be:

Accepted Answer

Legible and photographically reproducible

Answer

Centered at the top of the document

Answer

At least 1.5 inches in diameter

Answer

Applied only in blue or black ink

Question 2

Where on a notarized document should a California notary public affix their official seal?

Accepted Answer

On the acknowledgment or jurat certificate near the notary's signature

Answer

Only on the signature line next to the notary's signature

Answer

At the top of the first page of every notarized document

Answer

On every page of the document being notarized

Question 3

A California notary public applies their seal, but the impression is smudged and unreadable. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Re-apply the seal in a clear area so a legible impression appears on the document

Answer

Sign and complete the notarization anyway, since the seal was applied

Answer

Use a different seal belonging to a colleague

Answer

Proceed without a seal and note the malfunction in the journal

Question 4

Can a California notary public perform a notarial act after their commission has expired, using their old seal?

Accepted Answer

No, a notary may only use their seal during the period of their active commission

Answer

Yes, for up to 30 days after expiration while waiting for renewal

Answer

Yes, if the signer urgently needs the document notarized

Answer

Yes, as long as they disclose the expiration to the signer

Question 5

Which element on the California notary seal allows the Secretary of State and others to identify the specific notary's appointment?

Accepted Answer

The commission number

Answer

The notary's printed name

Answer

The commission expiration date

Answer

The county of principal place of business

Question 6

How must a California notary public store their official seal when not in use?

Accepted Answer

In a locked, secured area under the notary's direct control

Answer

At their employer's front desk for convenient access

Answer

In a fireproof safe at the county clerk's office

Answer

There are no storage requirements as long as it is within the office

Question 7

What action must a California notary take if they change their principal place of business to a different county?

Accepted Answer

File a change of address with the Secretary of State and obtain a new seal reflecting the new county

Answer

Continue using the existing seal until the commission expires

Answer

Notify the county clerk in both counties and request updated authorization

Answer

Obtain a second seal listing the new county and use both seals going forward