Legal Definitions - seal of the state

The seal of the state refers to an official emblem or device used by a state government to authenticate important documents, laws, and official commissions. It serves as a mark of the state's authority and verifies the legitimacy and authenticity of the document it is affixed to, signifying that the document has been officially issued or approved by the state.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of a state's seal:

• Example 1: Authentication of State Legislation
  Imagine the state legislature of Texas passes a new bill concerning public education. Once the bill is signed into law by the Governor, the official printed version of this new statute, which will be published for public record and legal reference, will bear the Seal of the State of Texas. This seal confirms that the document is the authentic, legally enacted law of the state, not a draft or an unofficial copy.

• Example 2: Official Appointments and Commissions
  When the Governor of Florida appoints a new member to a state board or commissions a new judge, the official document granting that individual their authority and outlining their duties will typically feature the Seal of the State of Florida. The presence of the seal on the commission signifies that the appointment is legitimate, issued by the proper state authority, and officially recognized by the state government.

• Example 3: State-Issued Certificates and Records
  If an individual requests an official copy of their birth certificate from the Department of Health in New York, the document they receive will include the Seal of the State of New York. This seal authenticates the certificate as a true and official record issued directly by the state government, ensuring its acceptance for legal purposes such as obtaining a passport or enrolling in school.