NNA Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 3

Question 1

A notary is asked to place their seal on a blank sheet of paper so the employer can fill in a document later. Should the notary comply?

Accepted Answer

No, notaries must never affix their seal to a blank or incomplete document

Answer

Affixing a seal to a blank or incomplete document enables fraud and is prohibited; a seal must only be applied as part of a completed, proper notarial act.

Question 2

What is the consequence if a notary seal impression on a recorded document is illegible after recording?

Accepted Answer

The recording may be rejected or the document may be considered defective

Answer

An illegible seal can cause a document to be rejected for recording or deemed defective, potentially invalidating the notarization and causing legal complications.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT typically required on a notary's official seal?

Accepted Answer

The notary's residential street address

Answer

A notary's residential street address is not required on the seal; most states require the name, state, commission expiration date, and sometimes commission number.

Question 4

After performing a notarial act, a notary realizes the seal impression was placed upside down on the document. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Complete a new notarial certificate on the document with a correct impression

Answer

If the seal was misapplied, the best practice is to complete a corrected certificate; the specific remedy may vary by state, but the notarization must be clearly valid.

Question 5

In most states, what must a notary do with their seal when they resign their commission before it expires?

Accepted Answer

Destroy the seal or surrender it to the commissioning authority

Answer

Upon resignation, notaries must destroy their seal or surrender it as directed by state law to prevent its use after their authority has ended.

NNA - National Notary Association Certification Practice Test

NNA - National Notary Association Certification Practice Test

NNA Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 3