Could you explain what the “SEAL” reference in certain signature block means?
"seal" statutes
GoDocs understands some states have "seal" statutes pursuant to which certain documents are to be signed "under seal". The concept of "sealing" or signing a document "under seal" (by applying a physical seal or embossing) is archaic and no longer a part of the law of most states. However, there are still states where it has some possible significance under contract law. For those states it is sufficient to place the word "seal" in parentheses next to the signature. We automatically insert the "Seal" language for these states. You do not need to get an actual corporate seal on the documents - the only thing necessary is the word "(SEAL") as it appears in the document signature blocks.
The follow States have been identified as having a potential benefit to being signed under seal:
- AL – Alabama
- AK – Alaska
- AZ – Arizona
- AR – Arkansas
- CO – Colorado
- CT – Connecticut
- DE – Delaware
- DC – District of Columbia
- FL – Florida
- GA – Georgia
- HI – Hawaii
- ID – Idaho
- IL – Illinois
- IN – Indiana
- IA – Iowa
- KS – Kansas
- KY – Kentucky
- LA – Louisiana
- ME – Maine
- MD – Maryland
- MA – Massachusetts
- MI – Michigan
- MN – Minnesota
- MS – Mississippi
- MO – Missouri
- MT – Montana
- NE – Nebraska
- NH – New Hampshire
- NJ – New Jersey
- NM – New Mexico
- NY – New York
- NC – North Carolina
- ND – North Dakota
- OK – Oklahoma
- OR – Oregon
- PA – Pennsylvania
- RI – Rhode Island
- SC – South Carolina
- SD – South Dakota
- TN – Tennessee
- TX – Texas
- UT – Utah
- VT – Vermont
- VA – Virginia
- WA – Washington
- WV – West Virginia
- WI – Wisconsin
- WY – Wyoming
- PR – Puerto Rico
Loan document for California, Nevada and Ohio do not include the option to sign under seal through GoDocs due to compliance considerations, market expectations or other factors.