Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements Flashcards

May a Wisconsin employer require a notary employee to surrender their seal when leaving employment?

Answer: No, the seal belongs to the notary, not the employer

Because the seal is personal property of the notary, an employer cannot legally require its surrender, regardless of who paid for it.

Is an ink stamp acceptable as an official seal for a Wisconsin notary?

Answer: Yes, an inked rubber stamp is acceptable

Wisconsin law permits notaries to use an inked rubber stamp as their official seal, in addition to embossing seals.

When must a Wisconsin notary affix their official seal to a notarial certificate?

Answer: Each time a notarial act is performed

A Wisconsin notary must affix their official seal to every notarial certificate completed in connection with a notarial act.

What happens to a Wisconsin notary's seal if the notary's name changes?

Answer: The notary must obtain a new seal reflecting the new name

If a notary's legal name changes, they must obtain a new seal displaying the new name and notify the Department of Financial Institutions.

Can a Wisconsin notary use a digital image of their seal for electronic notarizations?

Answer: Yes, with proper authorization for electronic notarization

Wisconsin notaries authorized to perform electronic notarizations may use a digital image of their official seal for those acts.

Is it permissible for a Wisconsin notary to allow another person to use their official seal?

Answer: No, the seal may only be used by the notary personally

A notary's official seal is for their personal use only and may never be lent to or used by anyone else.