California Notary Public ExamFees and Miscellaneous ProvisionsEasy
A newly commissioned Notary Public in California is preparing to order their official seal. Which of the following is a mandatory characteristic of the seal?
- AIt must be a rectangular stamp with blue ink.
- BIt must be embossed directly onto the document.
- CIt must contain the words 'Notary Public' and 'California'.
- DIt must display the Notary Public's photograph.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It must contain the words 'Notary Public' and 'California'.
California law dictates specific requirements for a Notary Public's seal, including the mandatory inclusion of 'Notary Public' and 'California' to clearly identify the notary and jurisdiction. Other options are either incorrect or not mandatory.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The color of the ink is specified (dark, legible), but not necessarily blue, and the shape is typically rectangular or circular, not exclusively rectangular.
- B. While embosser seals exist, the primary requirement is for a stamp, and it's not a mandatory characteristic for all seals to be embossed directly onto the document; stamp impressions are common.
- D. A Notary Public's photograph is not a required element of the official seal.
Notary Seal Mandatory Inclusions
The official seal of a California Notary Public must contain specific identifying information to be valid, as prescribed by state law.
- Must be a seal press or stamp.
- Must contain the words 'Notary Public' and 'California'.
- Must contain the notary's name, commission number, and county of principal place of business.
Memory trick: Seal the deal with California's name and your official title, or it's not real!