What is required by law for Notaries when certifying a document?

When certifying a document, a notary public must use their official seal. The seal serves as proof that the notarization took place and signifies that the notary has verified the identity of the signer. The use of the seal provides a level of authenticity and assurance concerning the legitimacy of the document.

In California, the notary seal must contain certain required elements, such as the notary's name, the words “Notary Public,” and additional identifying information, ensuring that it is unique and technically compliant with state laws. This seal is a crucial element of the notarization process, as it lends credibility and validity to the act of acknowledgment or certification that the notary has performed.

The presence of a signature from the notary is also essential, but it does not carry the same weight of verification as the seal itself. A witness is not a legal requirement for every notarization, and the specific choice of ink color does not affect the legal validity of the notarization, whereas the seal is a mandated component for certifying a document.