Notary Public Exam Notary Seal & Stamp Requirements 3

Question 1

What is the functional difference between a traditional notary embosser and a rubber ink stamp?

Accepted Answer

An embosser creates a raised inkless impression while an ink stamp leaves an inked impression; ink stamps are generally more reproducible and accepted for photocopied records

Answer

An embosser is required for real estate; ink stamps are required for legal affidavits

Answer

They are functionally identical and interchangeable in all 50 states

Answer

Embossers are used only by electronic notaries; stamps are used only by traditional notaries

Question 2

When a notary receives a new commission (renewal or new appointment), what must they do regarding their seal?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a new seal reflecting the updated commission information, especially the new expiration date

Answer

Continue using the old seal until it physically wears out

Answer

Report the new commission to the seal manufacturer only

Answer

Use both the old and new seals simultaneously during a transition period

Question 3

Are electronic notaries (RON notaries) authorized to use an electronic seal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, states that authorize remote online notarization (RON) allow notaries to use a tamper-evident electronic seal for electronic documents

Answer

No, all notarizations require a physical ink or embosser seal

Answer

Only if the electronic seal is printed out and physically affixed

Answer

Electronic seals are only allowed in federal proceedings

Question 4

Which of the following items is typically NOT required to appear on a notary's ink stamp seal?

Accepted Answer

The notary's home address

Answer

The notary's name

Answer

The state of commission

Answer

The commission expiration date

Question 5

What is the purpose of a 'thumbprint' or 'fingerprint' requirement that some states have for certain notarizations?

Accepted Answer

To create an additional biometric record linking the signer to the notarized document, providing extra fraud protection for high-value transactions

Answer

To allow the notary to verify identity without viewing photo ID

Answer

To replace the signer's handwritten signature on the document

Answer

To satisfy a requirement unique to electronic notarizations only

Question 6

What action should a notary take if their ink stamp seal produces a faded impression because the ink pad is dry?

Accepted Answer

Re-ink the stamp pad or obtain a new stamp before continuing to notarize documents

Answer

Outline the faded impression with a pen to make it legible

Answer

Proceed normally because the notary's signature compensates for the faded seal

Answer

Ask the signer to attest in writing that they saw the seal applied