Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What should a notary do with their seal upon expiration of their commission?

1. Keep it for personal use

2. Use it until a new seal is received

3. Return it to the Secretary of State

4. Destroy it

The correct answer is: Destroy it

A notary is required to destroy their seal upon the expiration of their commission. This is crucial because the seal is an official tool that indicates the notary's authority and the validity of the documents they have notarized. If the seal were to remain intact or be used after the commission has expired, it could lead to unauthorized use or the potential for fraudulent activities, as the notary would no longer be legally authorized to perform notarial acts. The other options present less appropriate actions. Keeping the seal for personal use would mean that it could be misused, which poses a risk. Using the seal until a new one is received is dangerous, as it could involve notarizing documents without proper authority. Returning it to the Secretary of State is an option that might seem reasonable but is not prescribed; the proper action remains destruction to prevent any possibility of misuse.