If a Notary includes his or her information and signature on documents being notarized, but does not apply the official seal, is the notarial act still valid? – P.H., Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma Notaries must authenticate all official acts with a seal of office, whether embossed or stamped (49 OS 5 and 16 OS 35). However, Oklahoma law does not officially state whether a notarization is invalid if the stamp is missing. In such a case, the receiving agency may send the document back to the Notary and ask them to stamp the notarization. Therefore, the NNA recommends that Notaries include their official seal on all notarial acts.
Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. — The Editors
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