What does the phrase “seal affixed” indicate on a notarial certificate?

• A. The document has been sealed by court authorities.
• B. The notary’s seal has been applied to the document as part of the certification.
• C. The seal is pending; not yet attached.
• D. The seal is used only for date stamping.

Answer: (B)

The phrase seal affixed means the notary’s official seal has been applied to the certificate as part of the notarization. When a notary completes the act, they place their seal or stamp on the document, which authenticates the notary’s involvement and shows the certificate was issued by a valid notary. The seal usually includes the notary’s name, commission number, and expiration date, proving the act was performed by someone authorized to do so. It isn’t a court seal, it isn’t indicating a pending action, and the seal isn’t just for dating—the seal is the official mark that validates the notarization.