MD Notary MD Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: May a Maryland notary use a pre-inked stamp instead of a traditional embossed seal?
- Yes, pre-inked stamps are acceptable in Maryland (Correct answer)
- No, only embossed seals are recognized
- Only for real estate documents
- Only if approved by the Secretary of State
Correct answer: Yes, pre-inked stamps are acceptable in Maryland
Maryland law accepts pre-inked rubber stamps as valid notary seals as long as they contain the required information and are legible.
Question 2: A notary discovers their stamp has been stolen. What is the immediate required action in Maryland?
- Notify the Secretary of State and, if appropriate, file a police report (Correct answer)
- Order a replacement stamp and continue working without reporting
- Notify only their employer
- Post a public notice in a local newspaper
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State and, if appropriate, file a police report
Maryland notaries must notify the Secretary of State promptly when their seal or stamp is lost or stolen.
Question 3: Which statement about the Maryland notary seal is TRUE?
- The seal must produce a legible impression that can be photocopied or scanned (Correct answer)
- The seal impression must be raised (embossed) to be valid
- The notary's commission expiration date must appear on the seal
- The seal must be registered with the county clerk
Correct answer: The seal must produce a legible impression that can be photocopied or scanned
Maryland requires that the seal impression be legible, including in photocopied or scanned reproductions of the document.
Question 4: Can a Maryland notary's official seal include optional information beyond what is legally required?
- Yes, additional information such as the commission expiration date may be included (Correct answer)
- No, only legally required text is permitted on the seal
- Only the commission number may be added
- Only the county name may be added
Correct answer: Yes, additional information such as the commission expiration date may be included
Maryland allows notaries to include optional information on the seal, such as the commission expiration date, in addition to required elements.
Question 5: Which of the following would DISQUALIFY a Maryland notary seal from being used on a document?
- A seal impression that is partially illegible (Correct answer)
- A seal with an optional commission number included
- A rectangular seal shape
- A pre-inked stamp in black ink
Correct answer: A seal impression that is partially illegible
A partially illegible seal does not meet Maryland's requirement for a clear, legible impression and could invalidate the notarial act.
Question 6: After a Maryland notary changes their name, what must they do regarding their seal before performing further notarial acts?
- Obtain a new commission and seal reflecting the updated name before notarizing (Correct answer)
- Continue using the old seal with a written name correction on each document
- Notify the Secretary of State by letter and continue using the existing seal
- Purchase a new seal immediately without waiting for commission update
Correct answer: Obtain a new commission and seal reflecting the updated name before notarizing
A notary must obtain an updated commission in their new name and a new seal before performing further notarial acts.
MD Notary MD Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 2
May a Maryland notary use a pre-inked stamp instead of a traditional embossed seal?