Notary seal ownership—who carries the seal?

• A. The notary owns the seal and travels with them
• B. The seal belongs to the notary's employer
• C. The seal is owned by the state
• D. The seal travels with the notary regardless of who paid for it

Answer: (D)

The notary seal is the official instrument that proves a notary’s authority, so it must accompany the notary who performs acts. Even if an employer pays for the seal, its purpose and use are tied to the individual notary and their commission, not to the employer or the state. This arrangement keeps the seal under the notary’s control during official duties, preventing misuse and ensuring accountability across different jobs or locations.