Florida Notary Practice Exam

What is a notarial seal?

1. A decorative stamp used for invitations

2. An official stamp used to affirm authenticity

3. A certificate of completion

4. A personal signature of the Notary

The correct answer is: An official stamp used to affirm authenticity

A notarial seal is an official stamp that serves as a formal endorsement by a notary public, affirming the authenticity of a document. It typically includes important information such as the notary’s name, the state of appointment, and the notary's commission number. This seal is pivotal in ensuring that the signatures on documents are verified and that the documents have been duly executed according to legal standards. Using a notarial seal provides a level of trust and legitimacy to the documents being notarized, as the involvement of a legally appointed notary ensures that the identities of the signers are verified and that they are acting without coercion. Such official seals are recognized by various institutions, making them integral in legal and governmental processes. The other options do not capture the essence and purpose of a notarial seal. A decorative stamp used for invitations lacks any legal standing, a certificate of completion does not represent verification of signatures or documents, and a personal signature, while important, does not convey the same formal endorsement as a notarial seal. Therefore, the selection that defines a notarial seal accurately aligns with its critical role in the notarial process.