Notarial Certificates and Seal Flashcards

Who is responsible for the security of a Montana notary's official stamp?

Answer: The notary personally, who must keep it under their exclusive control

The notary must keep the stamp secure and not allow anyone else to use it, even an employer who purchased it.

A Montana notary's stamp is stolen from their car. What must the notary do?

Answer: Promptly notify the Secretary of State of the theft

Montana requires prompt notification to the Secretary of State when a stamp is lost or stolen.

Which certificate type would a Montana notary use when a signer swears that the statements in an affidavit are true?

Answer: A jurat (verification upon oath or affirmation)

Affidavits require the signer to swear or affirm the truth of the contents, which calls for a jurat.

A preprinted certificate on a document says 'State of Wyoming, County of Park,' but the notarization occurs in Bozeman, Montana. What should the notary do?

Answer: Correct the venue to State of Montana, County of Gallatin before completing the certificate

The venue must reflect where the act actually occurs, so the notary corrects it to the true Montana county.

When may a Montana notary sign a notarial certificate with a name different from the one on their commission?

Answer: Never; the signature must match the commissioned name

The notary must sign exactly the name under which they were commissioned.

What must happen to a Montana notary's stamp when the notary resigns or the commission expires without renewal?

Answer: It must be disabled or destroyed so it cannot be misused

A former notary must render the stamp unusable to prevent fraudulent use after the commission ends.

On which part of a document should a Montana notary place the stamp impression?

Answer: Near the notary's signature on the certificate, without covering signatures or text

The stamp goes adjacent to the notary's signature on the certificate and must not obscure any text or signatures.