Key Takeaways
- Every NC notary must have an official seal
- Seal must include name, "Notary Public," county, state, and expiration date
- Seal can be rubber stamp or inked embosser
- Seal must be photographically reproducible
- Report lost or stolen seal within 10 days
Last updated: January 2026
Seal Requirements
Under G.S. 10B-36 and 10B-37, every North Carolina notary must have and use an official seal for all notarial acts.
Required Seal Elements
Every NC notary seal MUST contain:
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Notary's Name | Exactly as it appears on the commission |
| "Notary Public" | These exact words |
| County | County of commission (including "County" or "Co.") |
| State | "North Carolina" or "N.C." or "NC" |
| Expiration Date | Commission expiration date |
Seal Format and Size
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Shape | Circular or rectangular |
| Circular Size | Between 1.5 and 2 inches in diameter |
| Type | Rubber ink stamp OR inked embosser |
| Reproducible | Must be photographically reproducible |
Sample Seal Layout
╭─────────────────────────────╮
│ JANE DOE │
│ NOTARY PUBLIC │
│ WAKE COUNTY, NC │
│ My Commission Expires │
│ 12/31/2030 │
╰─────────────────────────────╯
Seal Placement
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Near the notary's signature |
| Timing | Affixed AFTER the notarial act is performed |
| Clarity | Must be legible and clear |
| Ink | Must be visible on copies |
Seal Security
Notaries are responsible for the security of their seal:
| Security Measure | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Keep Secure | Store in locked location when not in use |
| Never Lend | Never allow others to use your seal |
| Control Access | Only the notary should have access |
| Report Loss/Theft | Within 10 days to authorities |
Reporting Lost or Stolen Seal
If your seal is lost or stolen, you must notify within 10 days:
| Notification | Contact |
|---|---|
| Law Enforcement | Local police department |
| Secretary of State | NC Secretary of State Notary Division |
| Register of Deeds | Your county's Register of Deeds |
Defective Seal
Under G.S. 10B-37:
| Issue | Effect |
|---|---|
| Seal doesn't comply with requirements | Does NOT invalidate the notarization |
| But... | Constitutes a violation of notary's duties |
| May result in | Disciplinary action against notary |
Destroying Old Seals
When a seal should be destroyed:
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Commission expires | Destroy old seal |
| Commission is revoked | Destroy seal immediately |
| Get new seal | Destroy old seal |
| Method | Deface or physically destroy |
Key Points for the Exam
- Required elements: Name, Notary Public, county, state, expiration
- Size: Circular seals 1.5 to 2 inches
- Reproducible: Must show on photocopies
- Report loss/theft: Within 10 days to 3 parties
- Defective seal: Violation but doesn't invalidate act
Test Your Knowledge
What must a North Carolina notary seal include?
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Test Your Knowledge
A notary's seal is stolen. Within how many days must they report the theft?
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Test Your Knowledge
What happens if a notary's seal does not comply with all requirements?
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D