Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements Flashcards

What information is required to appear on a Virginia notary's official seal or stamp?

Answer: Notary's name, the words 'Notary Public', 'Commonwealth of Virginia', and commission expiration date

Virginia law requires the seal to show the notary's name, 'Notary Public', 'Commonwealth of Virginia', and the commission expiration date.

A Virginia notary's official seal impression must be:

Answer: Legible and reproducible (photographically reproducible)

The seal must be photographically reproducible — meaning it must produce a clear, legible imprint on copies.

What should a Virginia notary do if their seal is lost or stolen?

Answer: Immediately stop notarizing, report to law enforcement, and obtain a replacement seal

A lost or stolen seal should be reported to law enforcement immediately, and the notary should obtain a replacement before performing further acts.

A Virginia notary seal is the personal property of:

Answer: The notary themselves

The notary seal belongs personally to the notary, not to their employer.

When a Virginia notary's commission expires, what must they do with their seal?

Answer: Destroy it so it cannot be misused

Upon expiration or termination of a commission, the notary should destroy the seal to prevent misuse.

Under Virginia law, an employer who holds a notary's seal after the notary leaves employment must:

Answer: Return it to the notary or destroy it

The employer must return the seal to the notary or destroy it; retaining it for use by others is prohibited.