MI Notary Michigan Notary Seal and Signature Requirements 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What shape must a Michigan notary's official seal be?
- Circular only
- Rectangular only
- Circular or rectangular (Correct answer)
- Any shape the notary prefers
Correct answer: Circular or rectangular
Michigan law permits the notary's official seal to be either circular or rectangular in shape.
Question 2: Which information MUST appear on a Michigan notary's official seal?
- The notary's name, 'State of Michigan', and 'Notary Public' (Correct answer)
- The notary's name, address, and commission number
- The notary's name and county only
- The notary's commission expiration date only
Correct answer: The notary's name, 'State of Michigan', and 'Notary Public'
A Michigan notary seal must display the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public', and 'State of Michigan'.
Question 3: Must a Michigan notary's official seal include their commission expiration date?
- Yes, the expiration date is required on the seal
- No, the expiration date is not required on the seal itself (Correct answer)
- Only for seals used on real estate documents
- Only if the notary requests it
Correct answer: No, the expiration date is not required on the seal itself
Michigan law does not require the commission expiration date to appear on the notary's official seal.
Question 4: What type of seal impression must a Michigan notary use—inked stamp or embossing?
- Only an inked rubber stamp
- Only an embosser (crimper)
- Either an inked stamp or an embossing seal (Correct answer)
- Only a pre-printed adhesive seal
Correct answer: Either an inked stamp or an embossing seal
Michigan law allows notaries to use either an inked (rubber stamp) seal or an embossing (crimping) seal for official acts.
Question 5: What should a Michigan notary do if their official seal is lost or stolen?
- Continue using a new seal with no notification required
- Notify the Secretary of State and obtain a new seal (Correct answer)
- Report to the county clerk only
- Resign their commission immediately
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State and obtain a new seal
If a notary's seal is lost or stolen, they should notify the Secretary of State and obtain a replacement seal promptly.
Question 6: Is a Michigan notary's signature alone (without a seal) sufficient to authenticate a notarial act?
- Yes, the signature alone is sufficient
- No, both the signature and seal are required (Correct answer)
- Only for jurats, not acknowledgments
- Only if the notary's name is typed below the signature
Correct answer: No, both the signature and seal are required
Michigan requires both the notary's official seal impression and signature to properly authenticate a notarial act.
MI Notary Michigan Notary Seal and Signature Requirements 1
What shape must a Michigan notary's official seal be?