Notary Seal and Certificate Requirements Flashcards

When must a Minnesota notary affix their official stamp on a notarial certificate?

Answer: At the time the notarial act is performed

The notary must affix their official stamp contemporaneously with performing the notarial act, not before or long after.

If ink from a Minnesota notary's stamp is smeared and the impression is illegible, what should the notary do?

Answer: Re-stamp in a clear area of the certificate or attach a fresh certificate page

A legible stamp impression is required; if the stamp is unreadable, the notary should re-stamp or attach a new certificate with a clear impression.

A Minnesota notary's stamp impression must be capable of being reproduced in what manner?

Answer: It must be photographically reproducible, meaning it shows clearly in photocopies

Minnesota requires notary stamp impressions to be photographically reproducible so they remain visible and legible in copies of the notarized document.

May a Minnesota employer require a notary employee to surrender their notary stamp upon leaving employment?

Answer: No, the stamp belongs to the notary, not the employer

Because the stamp belongs to the individual notary, employers cannot require surrender of the notary's official stamp upon termination of employment.

What color ink should a Minnesota notary use for their official stamp?

Answer: Any color that produces a legible, photographically reproducible image

Minnesota law does not mandate a specific ink color, but the stamp impression must be legible and photographically reproducible.

If a Minnesota notary changes their name, what must they do regarding their official stamp?

Answer: Obtain a new stamp reflecting the new name and notify the Secretary of State

A name change requires obtaining a new official stamp in the new name and notifying the Secretary of State to update commission records.