Free AR-Notary Official Seal and Stamping Device Requirements Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following elements is REQUIRED to be on an Arkansas notary public's official seal?
- The notary's commission number.
- The Great Seal of the State of Arkansas.
- The notary's commission name as it appears on their commission certificate. (Correct answer)
- The notary's commission expiration date.
Correct answer: The notary's commission name as it appears on their commission certificate.
Arkansas Code § 21-14-107 requires the official seal to include the notary public's name exactly as it is written on their commission. It must also include the name of the county where the notary's bond is filed and the words "Notary Public" and "Arkansas".
Question 2: What information is NOT required to be included on an Arkansas notary's official stamping device?
- The notary's commission expiration date. (Correct answer)
- The notary's name as commissioned.
- The words "Notary Public".
- The name of the county where the notary is commissioned.
Correct answer: The notary's commission expiration date.
While many notaries choose to include their commission expiration date on their stamp for convenience, Arkansas law does not require it. The required elements are the notary's name, county of commission, and the words "Notary Public" and "Arkansas".
Question 3: An Arkansas notary's official seal must be in what format?
- An electronic image file.
- A crimper-style embosser that raises the paper.
- A rubber stamp with seal information to be used with ink. (Correct answer)
- Any format as long as it contains the required information.
Correct answer: A rubber stamp with seal information to be used with ink.
Arkansas law specifies that the official seal must be a rubber stamp that leaves a clear, legible impression. While a crimper-style embosser may be used in addition to the rubber stamp, it cannot be used as the sole, official seal.
Question 4: If a notary's official stamping device is lost or stolen, what is the first action the notary must take?
- File a report with the local police department.
- Notify the Arkansas Secretary of State in writing immediately. (Correct answer)
- Publish a notice in a local newspaper.
- Purchase a new stamp immediately.
Correct answer: Notify the Arkansas Secretary of State in writing immediately.
Protecting the integrity of the notarial seal is paramount. If a seal is lost, stolen, or misplaced, the notary must provide immediate written notice to the Secretary of State's office to prevent fraudulent use.
Question 5: A notary's official stamp impression must be reproducible under photographic methods. What color ink is required?
- Blue ink.
- Black ink. (Correct answer)
- Any dark colored ink like blue or black.
- The ink color is not specified by law.
Correct answer: Black ink.
To ensure that the seal is legible and can be easily photocopied or scanned, Arkansas law mandates that the official rubber stamp seal must be used with black ink. Using other colors could render the notarial act invalid.
Question 6: Where should the notary's official seal be placed on a document?
- Over the notary's signature to prevent fraud.
- At the top right corner of the page.
- On the back of the notarized page.
- Near the notary's official signature on the notarial certificate. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Near the notary's official signature on the notarial certificate.
The seal should be affixed close to the notary's signature within the notarial certificate area. It should not be placed over any text or signatures in the main body of the document, as this could obscure important information.
Question 7: Can a notary use a single stamping device if they are commissioned in two different Arkansas counties?
- Yes, if the stamp lists both counties.
- No, a notary can only be commissioned in one county at a time. (Correct answer)
- Yes, as long as they file a bond in both counties.
- No, unless they get special permission from the Secretary of State.
Correct answer: No, a notary can only be commissioned in one county at a time.
An Arkansas notary public is commissioned for a specific county, which is the county where their bond is filed. Therefore, a notary will only have one commission and one official seal that reflects that specific county.
Free AR-Notary Official Seal and Stamping Device Requirements Questions and Answers 1
Which of the following elements is REQUIRED to be on an Arkansas notary public's official seal?