NNA Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements 2

Question 1

In states that permit both an ink stamp and an embossing seal, which is generally preferred for documents that will be photocopied or scanned?

Accepted Answer

Ink stamp, because it reproduces visibly on copies and scans

Answer

Embossing seal, because it is more traditional

Answer

Either is equally acceptable with no functional difference

Answer

Embossing seal, because it cannot be forged

Question 2

Who is responsible for the safekeeping and security of a notary's official seal?

Accepted Answer

The notary personally, as the commissioned officer

Answer

The notary's employer, who owns the equipment

Answer

The county clerk's office, which issues the seal

Answer

A bonding company that holds custody of all notarial instruments

Question 3

What should a notary do if they are commissioned in one state but asked to notarize a document that will be used in another state?

Accepted Answer

Apply their own state's seal, as they are only authorized to notarize under their commission

Answer

Use the seal from the state where the document will be used

Answer

Refuse to notarize any document intended for use outside their state

Answer

Use no seal since interstate documents are exempt from seal requirements

Question 4

Which statement best describes the shape requirement for notary seals in most U.S. states?

Accepted Answer

States vary, with many allowing circular, rectangular, or oval shapes as specified by law

Answer

All states require a circular seal

Answer

All states require a rectangular seal

Answer

The shape is left entirely to the notary's personal preference

Question 5

An electronic notary (eNotary) needs an official seal for electronic documents. What form does this seal typically take?

Accepted Answer

An electronic image or digital seal that meets state-defined security standards

Answer

A scanned image of their physical rubber stamp

Answer

An email confirmation from the state commissioning authority

Answer

A barcode that links to the notary's commission record

Question 6

A notary's commission is renewed and a new expiration date is assigned. What must the notary do regarding their seal?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a new seal reflecting the updated commission information, including the new expiration date

Answer

Continue using the old seal until the ink runs out

Answer

Apply a sticker with the new expiration date over the old seal

Answer

Notify signers verbally of the new expiration date instead of updating the seal

Question 7

Under what circumstances may a notary's employer legally require the notary to surrender their official seal to the employer?

Accepted Answer

Never — the seal belongs to the notary personally and cannot be required by an employer

Answer

Whenever the employer requests it as a condition of employment

Answer

When the notary resigns from employment, the employer legally owns the seal

Answer

Only if the employer paid for the seal, in which case they own it