Can a notary keep their seal in a communally shared file cabinet?

A notary public is required to safeguard their seal and journal to prevent unauthorized use or potential fraud. Keeping the seal in a communally shared file cabinet, even if it is locked or if only trusted individuals have access, raises significant risks. The integrity of the notary's tools, including the seal, must be secured in a manner that ensures only the notary has access to them at all times. This is mandated by California law to maintain the public’s trust in the notarial process and protect against any potential misuse.

Having a seal stored in a location that is not exclusively controlled by the notary, such as a shared cabinet, compromises this security. As a result, the best practice is for a notary to keep their seal in a secure, private place where access is fully restricted to themselves alone. This measure is crucial to prevent any unauthorized usage that could undermine their official duties.