What is the purpose of the Notary Public seal?

The purpose of the Notary Public seal is to provide a visual authentication of the notarization performed. When a notary applies their seal to a document, it serves as an official mark that indicates the document has been appropriately notarized. This seal adds credibility and authenticity to the notarized document, ensuring that it can be recognized by courts, government entities, and other organizations as having been executed in accordance with legal requirements.

The seal typically contains specific information, such as the notary's name, commission number, and the state in which the notary is commissioned. This standardization helps in establishing a chain of trust regarding the legitimacy of the document and the notary’s actions. Consequently, when someone sees a notary seal on a document, they can have a reasonable assurance that the notarization process was followed properly, which is critical in legal and financial transactions.