Notary Public Notary Seal, Stamp & Certificate Requirements

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The notary's commission expiration date

Answer

A notary's official seal must typically include their commission expiration date, along with their name, state, and commission number, so parties can verify the commission was active at the time of notarization.

Question 2

Who legally owns a notary's official seal or stamp?

Accepted Answer

The notary public personally

Answer

The official seal belongs to the notary personally, not to their employer, because it represents the notary's individual commission granted by the state.

Question 3

What should a notary do with their official seal when their commission expires or they resign?

Accepted Answer

Destroy or deface it so it cannot be used again

Answer

When a notary's commission ends, the seal must be destroyed or defaced to prevent unauthorized use of an expired commission.

Question 4

Under what circumstance may a notary affix their official seal to a document?

Accepted Answer

Only after completing all required notarial steps, including verifying identity

Answer

A notary may only affix their seal after completing all required notarial acts, including verifying the signer's identity and witnessing or acknowledging the signature.

Question 5

Which seal shape is most commonly authorized or required by state law for notaries public in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Round or rectangular

Answer

Most states authorize either a round or rectangular seal, though specific requirements vary by state law.

Notary Public Practice Test

Notary Public Practice Test

Notary Public Notary Seal, Stamp & Certificate Requirements