KY Notary Notary Seal and Certificate Requirements 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What shape is required for a Kentucky notary public's official seal?
- Square only
- Circular or rectangular (Correct answer)
- Triangular
- Any shape chosen by the notary
Correct answer: Circular or rectangular
Kentucky law allows notary seals to be either circular or rectangular in shape.
Question 2: Which of the following must appear on a Kentucky notary's official seal?
- The notary's phone number
- The notary's commission expiration date
- The notary's name and 'Notary Public, State of Kentucky' (Correct answer)
- The notary's Social Security number
Correct answer: The notary's name and 'Notary Public, State of Kentucky'
A Kentucky notary seal must include the notary's name and the words 'Notary Public, State of Kentucky.'
Question 3: What must a notary certificate contain to be valid in Kentucky?
- The notary's home address
- The venue (state and county), notary's signature, printed name, commission expiration date, and seal (Correct answer)
- The document signer's phone number and date of birth
- Witness signatures in addition to the notary's signature
Correct answer: The venue (state and county), notary's signature, printed name, commission expiration date, and seal
A valid Kentucky notarial certificate must include the venue, the notary's signature, printed name, commission expiration date, and official seal.
Question 4: What is the 'venue' on a Kentucky notarial certificate?
- The location where the document will be used
- The state and county where the notarial act was performed (Correct answer)
- The notary's office address
- The courthouse where the document will be filed
Correct answer: The state and county where the notarial act was performed
The venue identifies the state and county in which the notarial act was actually performed.
Question 5: Can a Kentucky notary use a rubber stamp seal?
- No, only embossed seals are allowed
- Yes, a rubber stamp ink seal is permissible (Correct answer)
- Only if accompanied by an embossed seal
- Only for electronic notarizations
Correct answer: Yes, a rubber stamp ink seal is permissible
Kentucky notaries may use a rubber stamp ink seal as their official notarial seal.
Question 6: What should a Kentucky notary do if their seal is stolen?
- Continue using a different seal immediately
- Report the theft to local law enforcement and notify the Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- Wait until the commission expires before acting
- Only report it if a fraudulent document is discovered
Correct answer: Report the theft to local law enforcement and notify the Secretary of State
A notary whose seal is stolen should report the theft to local law enforcement and promptly notify the Secretary of State.
What shape is required for a Kentucky notary public's official seal?