Which statement about the notary’s seal is correct?

• A. The seal is optional in Georgia.
• B. The seal is used to indicate the document’s authenticity.
• C. The seal certifies the signer’s identity.
• D. The seal is a required element that accompanies the notarial certificate.

Answer: (D)

The notary seal serves as the official mark that a notarization was performed by a commissioned notary and must accompany the notarial certificate. In Georgia, the seal is required on every notarization, attaches to the certificate, and typically includes the notary’s name, the words “Notary Public,” Georgia, and commission details. It confirms the notary’s authority and the act performed, not the content of the document or the signer’s identity. Identity verification is handled by the notary through ID checks or personal knowledge, not by the seal itself. For these reasons, the seal being a required element that accompanies the notarial certificate is the best description.