MN Notary Notary Seal and Certificate Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When must a Minnesota notary affix their official stamp on a notarial certificate?
- At the time the notarial act is performed (Correct answer)
- Within 30 days of the notarial act
- Before the signer arrives
- Only when requested by the signer
Correct answer: At the time the notarial act is performed
The notary must affix their official stamp contemporaneously with performing the notarial act, not before or long after.
Question 2: If ink from a Minnesota notary's stamp is smeared and the impression is illegible, what should the notary do?
- Re-stamp in a clear area of the certificate or attach a fresh certificate page (Correct answer)
- Initial next to the smear and proceed
- Have the signer initial next to the smear
- Notarize the document again on a separate date
Correct answer: Re-stamp in a clear area of the certificate or attach a fresh certificate page
A legible stamp impression is required; if the stamp is unreadable, the notary should re-stamp or attach a new certificate with a clear impression.
Question 3: A Minnesota notary's stamp impression must be capable of being reproduced in what manner?
- It must be photographically reproducible, meaning it shows clearly in photocopies (Correct answer)
- It must be embossed so it can be felt on the paper
- It must be in color for authenticity
- It must be legible only in ultraviolet light for security
Correct answer: It must be photographically reproducible, meaning it shows clearly in photocopies
Minnesota requires notary stamp impressions to be photographically reproducible so they remain visible and legible in copies of the notarized document.
Question 4: May a Minnesota employer require a notary employee to surrender their notary stamp upon leaving employment?
- No, the stamp belongs to the notary, not the employer (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the employer paid for the stamp
- Yes, if stated in the employment contract
- No, but the employer may request it
Correct answer: No, the stamp belongs to the notary, not the employer
Because the stamp belongs to the individual notary, employers cannot require surrender of the notary's official stamp upon termination of employment.
Question 5: What color ink should a Minnesota notary use for their official stamp?
- Any color that produces a legible, photographically reproducible image (Correct answer)
- Only black ink
- Only blue ink
- Only red ink for official legal documents
Correct answer: Any color that produces a legible, photographically reproducible image
Minnesota law does not mandate a specific ink color, but the stamp impression must be legible and photographically reproducible.
Question 6: If a Minnesota notary changes their name, what must they do regarding their official stamp?
- Obtain a new stamp reflecting the new name and notify the Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- Continue using the old stamp until it wears out
- Apply for a new commission before changing the stamp
- File an affidavit with the county recorder
Correct answer: Obtain a new stamp reflecting the new name and notify the Secretary of State
A name change requires obtaining a new official stamp in the new name and notifying the Secretary of State to update commission records.
MN Notary Notary Seal and Certificate Requirements 2
When must a Minnesota notary affix their official stamp on a notarial certificate?