Michigan Notary Seal and Signature Requirements Flashcards

What must a Michigan notary include in the notarial certificate in addition to their seal and signature?

Answer: Their commission expiration date

Michigan notaries must include their commission expiration date in the notarial certificate language.

May a Michigan notary's seal be used by another person to notarize a document?

Answer: No, the seal is personal and may only be used by the commissioned notary

A notary's official seal is personal and may only be used by the notary to whom it was issued—no delegation is permitted.

Where on a notarial certificate should a Michigan notary place their seal?

Answer: Near or adjacent to the notary's signature on the certificate

The seal should be placed near the notary's signature on the notarial certificate to clearly associate it with the official act.

A notarial act is performed in Michigan but the seal impression is smudged and illegible. What is the best course of action?

Answer: The notary should re-stamp to produce a clear impression

An illegible seal impression should be corrected by re-stamping to ensure the notarization is legally effective.

When a Michigan notary's commission expires, what must they do with their official seal?

Answer: Destroy it to prevent unauthorized use

Upon expiration or resignation of a Michigan notary commission, the notary should destroy their official seal to prevent its misuse.

What county information, if any, must appear on a Michigan notary's seal?

Answer: No county information is required on the seal

Michigan law does not require the notary's county to appear on their official seal.