Four Steps to Follow When Ordering a New Notary Stamp

A notary stamp is one of the most important tools that a notary public will use in the performance of his or her notarial duties. The official seal of a notary on a document is a recognized mark indicating that:

• the notary is an officer of his or her state;


• he or she is duly qualified to provide the services rendered; and


• the identity and competency of the signer have been verified.

When ordering a stamp:

1. Use a vendor that specializes in manufacturing notary stamps and is familiar with your state notary laws and notary seal specifications and will stand behind their product for the duration of your notary commission.


2. Provide the vendor with your exact information as listed on your notary commission certificate. There have been many accounts of suspension or revocation of notary commissions when notary stamps are manufactured with names different than those printed on the notary commission certificates.


3. When you receive your notary stamp, carefully check the expiration date and the spelling of your name and compare it to the information printed on your notary commission certificate. Contact the stamp vendor for corrections if any variation is detected.


4. Make several practice impressions with your notary stamp before you begin to use it. Make sure the stamp creates a sharp notary seal impression so that all the letters and numbers are clearly readable. If the impression is blurred or difficult to read in any way, return the stamp to the vendor and request a replacement. Documents with missing or blurred notary seal impressions may be rejected by the receiving parties.