Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of the notarial seal?

1. To look professional

2. To ensure the document is true and accurate

3. To authenticate the act of notarization

4. To identify the notary by name

The correct answer is: To authenticate the act of notarization

The primary purpose of the notarial seal is to authenticate the act of notarization. The seal serves as a formal mark indicating that a notary has performed the necessary duties to verify the identity of the signers and attest to the signing of the document. This authentication process is vital because it provides assurance to third parties that the signatures on a document are valid, that the signers acted willingly, and that the document was executed in accordance with the law. While looking professional is certainly a benefit of using a notarial seal, it is not its primary purpose. Similarly, although ensuring a document is true and accurate is important, the seal's primary role is not to verify the content of the document itself but rather to confirm the legitimacy of the notarization process. Identifying the notary by name is a secondary aspect, but it also does not capture the essence of the seal's main function, which is centered on authentication.