VA Notary Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What shape is commonly used for a Virginia notary's rubber stamp seal?
- Circle only
- Rectangle or circle — both are acceptable under Virginia law (Correct answer)
- Triangle only
- Oval only
Correct answer: Rectangle or circle — both are acceptable under Virginia law
Virginia law permits notary stamps in rectangular or circular shapes; the key requirement is that the information is legible.
Question 2: When affixing a Virginia notary seal, it should be placed:
- On a separate attachment page
- Near the notary's signature on the certificate (Correct answer)
- At the top of the first page of the document
- On every page of a multi-page document
Correct answer: Near the notary's signature on the certificate
The seal should be affixed near the notary's signature on the notarial certificate to clearly associate it with the notarization.
Question 3: May a Virginia notary use an embossed (raised) seal in addition to an inked stamp?
- No, only inked stamps are valid
- Yes, an embossed seal may be used alongside a photographically reproducible inked stamp (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only for legal documents
- Only for real estate closings
Correct answer: Yes, an embossed seal may be used alongside a photographically reproducible inked stamp
An embossed seal may be used as an additional security feature, but an inked stamp is still required for reproducibility.
Question 4: A Virginia notary must update their seal if which information changes?
- Their address
- Their name or commission expiration date, which are required seal elements (Correct answer)
- Their phone number
- Their employer
Correct answer: Their name or commission expiration date, which are required seal elements
Since the name and commission expiration are required on the seal, changes to either require the notary to obtain an updated seal.
Question 5: Which of the following actions is PROHIBITED for a Virginia notary regarding their seal?
- Storing it in a locked drawer
- Allowing another person to use it (Correct answer)
- Ordering a duplicate in case of loss
- Using a pre-inked stamp
Correct answer: Allowing another person to use it
Allowing another person to use the notary's seal is strictly prohibited and may result in commission revocation.
Question 6: What makes an inked notary stamp preferable to an embossed seal for Virginia document recording?
- It is less expensive
- It produces a reproducible image visible on photocopies and scanned documents (Correct answer)
- It is required by federal law
- It is faster to use
Correct answer: It produces a reproducible image visible on photocopies and scanned documents
Inked stamps appear clearly on copies and scans, meeting modern recording office and lender requirements for legible seals.
VA Notary Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 2
What shape is commonly used for a Virginia notary's rubber stamp seal?