It must be destroyed or defaced by the notary or their representative.
It must be surrendered to the Secretary of State via certified mail.
It must be delivered to the county clerk within 30 days along with the journal.
It must be kept in a locked and secured area indefinitely.
Official source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (2026)
Reference: Gov. Code section 8207
Source checked September 7, 2026
Correct Answer
A. It must be destroyed or defaced by the notary or their representative.
Detailed Explanation
Disposition of seal upon resignation. According to Gov. Code section 8207, when the notary public commission is terminated, resigned, or revoked, the notary public or their representative must destroy or deface the seal to protect against fraudulent use. It is the journal, not the seal, that goes to the county clerk.
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