NH Notary NH Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 2

Question 1

What should a New Hampshire notary do if their official stamp is lost or stolen?

Accepted Answer

Notify the appropriate authorities and stop notarizing until a replacement is obtained

Answer

Continue notarizing without a stamp until a new one arrives

Answer

Use a rubber-stamped copy made by a friend

Answer

Transfer their duties to another notary temporarily

Question 2

When a New Hampshire notary's commission expires or is resigned, what should happen to the official stamp?

Accepted Answer

It should be destroyed or secured to prevent future unauthorized use

Answer

It may be kept as a personal memento

Answer

It should be returned to the Secretary of State

Answer

It may be transferred to another notary in the same office

Question 3

A New Hampshire notary's stamp impression is smudged and unclear on a document. What is the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Re-stamp the document to ensure a clear, legible impression

Answer

Sign the document and note 'stamp unavailable' in the journal

Answer

Complete the notarization and explain the smudge to the signer

Answer

Cross out the smudge and initial it

Question 4

Under New Hampshire notary law, may an employer require a notary to surrender their stamp upon leaving employment?

Accepted Answer

No, because the stamp belongs to the notary personally, not the employer

Answer

Yes, because the employer paid for the commission

Answer

Yes, but only if the notary signed an agreement to do so at hiring

Answer

No, unless the Secretary of State approves the transfer

Question 5

What is the consequence for a New Hampshire notary who allows another person to use their official stamp?

Accepted Answer

Potential civil and criminal liability, and loss of commission

Answer

A minor administrative fine only

Answer

A written warning from the Secretary of State

Answer

Required additional training hours

Question 6

Which type of seal impression is generally NOT acceptable for New Hampshire notarial acts when producing copies?

Accepted Answer

A dry embossed seal used alone without ink

Answer

An inked rubber stamp

Answer

An ink pad roller stamp

Answer

A pre-inked stamp

Question 7

How many official stamps may a New Hampshire notary public maintain at one time?

Accepted Answer

As many as needed, provided each is kept secure and used only by the notary

Answer

Exactly one, with no duplicates permitted

Answer

Two maximum — one for work and one for personal use

Answer

None; NH only requires a handwritten signature