PA Notary Official Seal & Security 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is NOT a required element on a Pennsylvania notary's official stamp?
- The notary's name as it appears on the commission
- The words "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"
- The notary's commission ID number (Correct answer)
- The date the notary's commission expires
Correct answer: The notary's commission ID number
The required elements are: "Notary Seal," "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," the notary's name, "Notary Public," the county of the notary's office, and the commission expiration date. The notary's commission ID number is not required on the stamp.
Question 2: What is the legally mandated shape for a Pennsylvania notary's official stamping device?
- Circular
- Rectangular (Correct answer)
- Oval
- The shape is not specified by law.
Correct answer: Rectangular
The official stamping device must be a rubber stamp that produces a clear, legible, and photographically reproducible impression in a rectangular format. Embossers are not permitted as the official stamp.
Question 3: If a notary's official stamp is lost or stolen, the notary must notify the Department of State within what timeframe?
- Immediately by phone
- Within 10 days, in writing (Correct answer)
- Within 30 days
- At the time of commission renewal
Correct answer: Within 10 days, in writing
A notary must notify the Department of State in writing within 10 days of discovering that their official stamping device has been lost or stolen.
Question 4: How must a notary public secure their official stamping device?
- It can be left on their desk in a shared office space.
- It must be kept in a secure area accessible only to the notary. (Correct answer)
- It can be shared with a trusted coworker.
- It must be registered with the local police department.
Correct answer: It must be kept in a secure area accessible only to the notary.
The notary is solely responsible for the security of their stamping device. It must be kept in a secure location, such as a locked drawer or cabinet, and be accessible only to the notary.
Question 5: What should a notary do with their official stamp if they do not renew their commission?
- Return it to the Department of State.
- Sell it to another notary.
- Keep it as a memento.
- Destroy or deface it. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Destroy or deface it.
Upon resignation, revocation, or expiration of the commission without renewal, the notary must destroy or deface their stamping device to prevent any possibility of fraudulent use.
Question 6: A notary's official stamp must contain the county where the notary's ______ is located.
- residence
- business office (Correct answer)
- favorite client
- birthplace
Correct answer: business office
The stamp must include the name of the county in which the notary public maintains an office at the time of their appointment or reappointment.
Question 7: Which of the following is strictly prohibited from appearing on the official notary stamp?
- The notary's full middle name
- The Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Correct answer)
- The words "Notary Public"
- The commission expiration date
Correct answer: The Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The law explicitly prohibits the inclusion of the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the official stamping device.
PA Notary Official Seal & Security 1
Which of the following is NOT a required element on a Pennsylvania notary's official stamp?