New Jersey Notary Practice Exam

Where must an official stamp be affixed when notarizing a tangible record?

1. On the front page of the document

2. Near the signature of the notary public

3. On the back of the document

4. In the notary's personal records

The correct answer is: Near the signature of the notary public

The correct answer is that the official stamp must be affixed near the signature of the notary public when notarizing a tangible record. This placement is important because it verifies the signature's authenticity and indicates that the notary has completed their duties, confirming the identity of the signer and affirming the fairness of the transaction. By positioning the stamp close to the notary's signature, it creates a clear connection between the notarization and the document itself, mitigating the risk of confusion or challenges regarding the legitimacy of the notarization. Other placements, such as on the front page or the back of the document, do not provide the necessary direct association between the notarization and the notary's signature. Also, placing the stamp in the notary's personal records is not appropriate, as the stamp serves as a formal method to authenticate the document being notarized, not for record-keeping purposes.