What is the purpose of a notary seal in Colorado?

The purpose of a notary seal in Colorado is primarily to authenticate the notarial act and indicate the notary's jurisdiction. The seal serves as a form of certification that the notary has performed their duties in accordance with the law. It includes essential information, such as the notary's name, the words "Notary Public," the jurisdiction in which the notary is commissioned, and the seal's expiration date. This information verifies that the document was indeed notarized by a legally recognized notary in the appropriate jurisdiction, enhancing its credibility and validity in legal proceedings.

While making documents look official may be a secondary effect of the notary seal, that is not its primary function. Similarly, the seal does not serve as an alternative for a signature; the notary’s signature is still required on notarial acts. Lastly, confidentiality of the document is not a role of the notary seal. The seal itself does not provide confidentiality but rather affirms the legitimacy of the notarial act in a public context.