Pennsylvania Notary Public Practice Exam

What information must be included in the expiration date on the notary seal?

1. Personal address

2. Date of birth

3. Commission expiration date

4. County of residence

The correct answer is: Commission expiration date

The inclusion of the commission expiration date on the notary seal is crucial because it ensures that all parties interacting with the notary have clear knowledge of the validity of the notary's authority. A notary's commission is not indefinite; it has a set duration after which the notary must renew their commission to continue performing notarial acts legally. Including the expiration date actively communicates whether the notary is currently authorized to notarize documents. This practice helps prevent unauthorized notarization and protects the integrity of notarized documents. The other options, while containing personal information, do not have legal relevance in terms of the notarial act itself. Personal address, date of birth, and county of residence do not provide critical information about the notary's commission status or their ability to perform notarial acts. Thus, these pieces of information are not necessary for the seal, highlighting the importance of the commission expiration date.