Arkansas Notary Practice Test

What cannot be on a notary seal?

1. Outline of the state of Arkansas

2. Seal of the state of Arkansas or outline of state

3. Signer's information

4. Notary's name

The correct answer is: Seal of the state of Arkansas or outline of state

The reason the option stating that the seal of the state of Arkansas or its outline cannot be on a notary seal is correct lies in the regulations governing notary seals in Arkansas. A notary seal is a specific tool used to authenticate notarial acts, and it must contain certain elements that clearly identify the notary and their function. Including the seal or outline of the state on a notary seal is prohibited because it might create confusion regarding the official capacity of the notary versus that of state government. The notary seal should maintain clarity and focus on the notary's personal identification information and not include state symbols that might imply governmental authority or endorsement beyond the notary's role. In contrast, a notary seal is allowed to contain elements such as the notary's name and potentially the notary’s title or the county in which they are commissioned. This ensures that the seal signifies who is performing the notarization while maintaining the integrity and independent nature of the notary’s office.