What is required for the handling of a notary's seal, stamp, and records?

• A. They may be shared with family members
• B. They can be left on the desk for anyone to use
• C. They must be kept in a safe place and not used by any other person.
• D. They should be discarded after a year.

Answer: (C)

Safeguarding the notary’s seal, stamp, and records is about maintaining control and preventing fraud. The seal and stamp are the official marks that validate each notarization, so they must stay under the notary’s control and be used only by the notary. If someone else uses them, documents could be falsely notarized and your authority could be misrepresented. Keeping these tools in a secure place—like a locked cabinet or safe—ensures that only you can apply the seal.

The notary’s records, such as the journal of acts, are legal records of every notarization and must be protected similarly. Access should be restricted to the notary and any required authorities, so no one else can alter or fabricate entries. This strict handling helps maintain accountability and integrity in all notarizations.

That’s why sharing with family members, leaving the seal on a desk for anyone to use, or discarding records after a short period aren’t appropriate. They compromise security and legal compliance.