What information is commonly required on a Maryland notary seal?

• A. The notary’s name and the commission expiration date (and jurisdiction), with optional elements as allowed by law
• B. The signer’s name
• C. The document filing number
• D. The notary’s birth date

Answer: (A)

The seal communicates the notary’s identity and that their appointment is current. The essential elements are the notary’s name, the commission expiration date, and the jurisdiction written on the seal (typically shown as Notary Public and State of Maryland). This combination shows precisely who notarized the document and until when their authority lasts. Any additional items must be allowed by Maryland law, which is why optional elements may be included only if permitted. Items not needed on the seal—such as the signer’s name, a document filing number, or the notary’s birth date—don’t belong on the seal. So the correct approach is to display the name, the expiration date, and the jurisdiction, with any extras strictly within what the law allows.