Hawaii Notary Public Practice Exam 2025 - Free Notary Public Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary function of a Notary Public's seal is to authenticate the notarization and serve as a public record. The seal, which often includes the Notary's name, the words "Notary Public," the state of commission, and the commission number, provides a recognizable mark that indicates the signature has been executed under the authoritative oversight of a Notary. This helps to ensure the credibility of the notarization, affirming that the document has been properly executed according to legal standards.

Additionally, when a Notary places their seal on a document, it signifies that they have carried out their duties competently, such as verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring they are acting willingly with understanding of the document, and witnessing the signing process. The seal also preserves the transaction in a public manner, as notarized documents hold higher evidentiary value in legal contexts, making it easier to prove the authenticity of the signature and the act of notarization.

While verifying the identity of the signer is an integral part of the Notary's duties, it is the seal that solidifies the legal standing of the notarization. The seal does not offer certification of the content of the document itself, nor does it provide a legal opinion, as those are outside the