Can a notary stamp be reused for different instruments or notaries?

• A. No; each instrument must bear the notary’s unique seal; do not reuse another notary’s seal.
• B. Yes, stamps may be used for any instrument.
• C. Yes, but only within the same day.
• D. No, only for the same signer.

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is that a notary seal is a personal credential tied to your own commission. When you notarize, your seal certifies that you acted as the notary for that specific instrument, and it identifies you (and often includes location and the date). Because the seal represents your official act, it must not be used by anyone else or on documents notarized by a different notary. If you have multiple instruments to notarize, you use your own seal on each one you notarize; you don’t transfer or reuse another notary’s seal. This protects integrity and accountability in the notarization process.