NNA Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements

Question 1

What is the primary legal purpose of a notary's official seal?

Accepted Answer

To authenticate the notary's official act and identify the notarizing officer

Answer

A notary's seal authenticates the notarial act and identifies the notary, confirming that the act was performed by a duly commissioned officer.

Question 2

Which of the following information is typically required to appear on a notary's official seal?

Accepted Answer

The notary's name, state, and commission expiration date

Answer

Most states require the notary's name, the state of commission, and the commission expiration date to appear on the official seal.

Question 3

What are the two most common types of notary seals used in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Rubber ink stamp and embossing seal

Answer

The rubber ink stamp and the embossing seal (crimp seal) are the two most common types of notary seals used in the U.S.

Question 4

When a notary's commission expires, what should the notary do with their official seal?

Accepted Answer

Destroy it or surrender it to the state commissioning authority

Answer

Upon expiration of a commission, notaries should destroy their seal or surrender it as required by state law to prevent unauthorized use.

Question 5

A notary's ink stamp produces a faint, partially illegible impression on a document. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a new stamp that produces a clear, legible impression

Answer

Notaries must ensure their seal impression is legible because an illegible seal may render a notarization defective; a new stamp should be obtained.

NNA - National Notary Association Certification Practice Test