Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason the rubber stamp seal is almost universally used by notaries public?
What is the primary reason the rubber stamp seal is almost universally used by notaries public?
- It is legally required to be photographically reproducible on documents. (correct)
- It is cheaper to obtain than other types of seals.
- It is more durable than other types of seals.
- It is the only type of seal authorized by law.
Which of the following actions is a notary public required to take regarding their seal?
Which of the following actions is a notary public required to take regarding their seal?
- Keep the seal in a locked and secured area under their direct and exclusive control. (correct)
- Share the seal with other notaries in their office to ensure availability.
- Submit the seal to the Secretary of State for annual inspection.
- Surrender the seal to their employer upon termination of employment if the employer paid for it.
Why is it important for a notary public to ensure their seal is clear and doesn't cover any text or signatures on a document?
Why is it important for a notary public to ensure their seal is clear and doesn't cover any text or signatures on a document?
- To ensure that the notary public receives proper credit for their work.
- To comply with internal office policies regarding document appearance.
- To make the document easier to photocopy.
- To prevent the document from being rejected for recordation, which can cause inconveniences and extra expenses. (correct)
Under what specific circumstance is a notary public in California permitted to omit the use of their official seal?
Under what specific circumstance is a notary public in California permitted to omit the use of their official seal?
What information must be included near the notary public’s signature when an official seal is not used for California subdivision map certificates?
What information must be included near the notary public’s signature when an official seal is not used for California subdivision map certificates?
For what purpose is a notary public permitted to use their official seal or title?
For what purpose is a notary public permitted to use their official seal or title?
What is the consequence if a notary public willfully fails to keep their notary public seal under their direct and exclusive control?
What is the consequence if a notary public willfully fails to keep their notary public seal under their direct and exclusive control?
What action should a notary public take when their commission is no longer valid?
What action should a notary public take when their commission is no longer valid?
Which of the following elements is required to be on a notary public's seal?
Which of the following elements is required to be on a notary public's seal?
A notary public's seal must contain the name of the county where what is on file?
A notary public's seal must contain the name of the county where what is on file?
Flashcards
Notary Seal Requirement
Notary Seal Requirement
Each notary public is required to have and use a seal, kept in a locked and secured area under their exclusive control.
Type of Seal
Type of Seal
The rubber stamp seal is almost universal because it is photographically reproducible. An embosser seal may also be used in addition.
Seal Requirements
Seal Requirements
The seal must be photographically reproducible and include the State Seal, the words “Notary Public”, Notary's Name, County, Expiration Date, Commission Number, and Seal Manufacturer ID.
Seal Dimensions
Seal Dimensions
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Illegible Seal Consequence
Illegible Seal Consequence
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Exception for Subdivision Maps
Exception for Subdivision Maps
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Improper Seal Use
Improper Seal Use
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Seal Control Misdemeanor
Seal Control Misdemeanor
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Seal Destruction
Seal Destruction
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Study Notes
Notary Public Seal Requirements
- A notary public is required to have and use a seal.
- The seal must be kept in a locked and secured area.
- It must be under the direct and exclusive control of the notary public.
- The seal must not be surrendered to an employer upon termination of employment, regardless of who paid for it, or to any other person.
- The rubber stamp seal is almost universal due to the legal requirement that the seal be photographically reproducible, though embossers can be used in addition to the rubber stamp.
Seal Requirements
- Must be photographically reproducible when affixed to a document.
- Must contain the State Seal and the words "Notary Public".
- Must contain the name of the notary public as shown on the commission.
- Must contain the name of the county where the oath of office and notary public bond are on file.
- Must contain the expiration date of the notary public’s commission.
- Must contain the sequential identification number (commission number) assigned to the notary public.
- Must contain the identification number assigned to the seal manufacturer or vendor.
- Must be circular and not over two inches in diameter, or rectangular and not more than one inch in width by two and one-half inches in length, with a serrated or milled edged border.
Best Practices for Seal Use
- Notaries public are cautioned to make sure that the notary public stamp leaves a clear impression.
- All elements of the seal must be discernible.
- The seal should not be placed over signatures or over any printed matter on the document.
- An illegible or improperly placed seal may result in rejection of the document for recordation and result in inconveniences and extra expenses.
Exception for Subdivision Maps
- Acknowledgments for California subdivision map certificates may be notarized without the official seal.
- The notary public’s name, the county of the notary public’s principal place of business, and the commission expiration date must be typed or printed below or immediately adjacent to the notary public’s signature on the acknowledgment.
Restrictions on Seal Use
- A notary public must not use the official seal or the title notary public for any purpose other than the rendering of notarial service.
Penalties for Misuse
- A notary public who willfully fails to keep their seal under their direct and exclusive control is guilty of a misdemeanor.
- A notary public who willfully surrenders the seal to any person not authorized to possess it is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Seal Destruction
- When the notary public commission is no longer valid, the notary public seal must be destroyed.
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