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

The seal impression must be legible and capable of being reproduced photographically so that copies of notarized documents clearly show the seal.

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

The seal is placed on the notarial certificate (acknowledgment or jurat) near the notary's signature, as that is where the notarization is completed.

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

If the seal impression is illegible, the notary should re-stamp it in a clear area on the certificate to ensure a photographically reproducible impression is present.

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

A notary has no authority to perform notarial acts after their commission expires, and using the seal beyond that date would constitute unauthorized practice.

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 commission number is the unique identifier assigned to each notary appointment that allows the Secretary of State to track and verify a specific commission.

CA Notary - California Notary Exam Practice Test

CA Notary - California Notary Exam Practice Test

CA Notary Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 2