Can a notary place a seal anywhere on the document?
Asked by: Will Jones | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (49 votes)
No, a notary cannot place their seal anywhere; it must be placed clearly on the notarial certificate, near the signature, without obscuring any important text, signatures, or the certificate's required information, often near "L.S." or a designated box, ensuring legibility and photocopiability for official recordation.
Where does the notary seal go on a document?
A Notary seal is placed near the Notary's signature on the certificate. Some certificates contain "L.S.," which is the abbreviation of the term Locus Sigilli, which translates to "place of the seal." If you see that term on a certificate, place your seal near "L.S." on the certificate and not over the words.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to ensure the signer personally appears before them, which is a legal violation and can lead to fraud and major penalties, but other frequent errors involve incomplete or incorrect notarial certificates, such as missing dates, improper seal placement, illegible stamps, mismatched names, or attaching the wrong certificate type, all of which can invalidate the document.
Where to place seal on certificate?
Placing the seal on a notarial certificate “authenticates” or establishes the genuineness of the notarial act. Typically, you will affix your seal next to your signature. Make sure it is clear and legible.
What invalidates a notarized document?
A notarized document can be invalidated by fundamental flaws like improper identification, lack of signer presence, blank spaces, missing signatures, or an expired notary commission, as well as fraudulent acts, unauthorized alterations, backdating, or the notary acting with a conflict of interest, all undermining the document's authenticity and the integrity of the notarization process.
General Notary Embosser why you need it. GNW Notary training=notaryeducatorsllc.com
What makes a document invalid?
These actions could include: unauthorized destruction of Will or Trust; concealment of a Will or Trust; forging a signature; forging all or part of a document; or altering or falsifying a document to make it appear the document was signed on a different date than is true.
What makes a notary valid?
The notary is responsible for properly identifying the person and administering a verbal oath. If the sworn statement is in the form of a written instrument, the notary will also witness that person's signature and make a written record of the event in a notarial certificate.
When to use a notary seal?
They're used every time a document is notarized. A notary seal can be in one of two forms: a notary embossing seal or a notary stamp. In the state of Ohio, notary stamps and embossed seals are both acceptable formats for notarizing a document.
Does it matter where a notary is located?
Some states allow their notaries to notarize out of state for documents intended to be used or recorded within the state. The venue is important because it is a verification that the notary had the authority to perform the notarial act in the location where the notarization took place.
Would a notarized document hold up in court?
Judges, government offices, and financial institutions trust notarized documents because of one thing: accountability. Every notary in California is commissioned by the Secretary of State and bound by law to follow strict identification, recordkeeping, and ethical standards.
Why do Notaries get sued?
1- Notarizing for someone who isn't present at the time
Engaging in such practices exposes the notary to significant legal risks, including criminal charges for fraud, revocation of their notary commission, and civil liability for damages resulting from reliance on the notarized document.
What is one thing you should never do when it comes to documents as a notary?
Never notarize without the signer's personal appearance.
You also have no way to prove the person's identity. In many documented cases, scammers who convinced Notaries to ignore personal appearance requirements faked the notarized signatures themselves to commit elder abuse, real estate fraud, or other crimes.
What is the difference between a notary stamp and a notary seal?
A notary seal is the impression (raised or inked) on a document, while a notary stamp (or embosser) is the tool that creates that impression; the terms are often used interchangeably for the tool, but the seal is the result, with stamps being inked (photocopiable) and embossers creating a raised, harder-to-forge mark, both containing the notary's essential info (name, state, commission) to authenticate the notarization.
How to make a notary seal visible?
The Solution: If a notary uses a metal embosser as her official seal, she should carefully darken the very top of the raised embossment so that the seal will be visible on a photocopy of the document. Fortunately, there is the seal impression inker. It is a round ink pad with a tab on the back.
What documents require a seal?
Contracts and Agreements: Many business and personal contracts benefit from the notary's mark. This extra step adds a clear sign of authenticity to the agreement. Loan Documents: Papers related to loans and mortgages often need a notary seal to confirm the identity of the signers and the details of the agreement.
How long is a notary seal valid?
California – 4 years. Texas – 4 years. Florida – 4 years. New York – 4 years.
How can I let people know I am a notary?
Use social media. Online platforms like Facebook, Yelp or a personal website can be a great way to get your name out to customers. People search for Notary services online more than any other way, so it's essential to make sure they find you.
Is being a notary a good side hustle?
Yes, being a notary is often considered a great side hustle because it offers flexibility, low startup costs (compared to some businesses), high demand for essential services, and the potential for good hourly earnings, especially as a mobile notary or loan signing agent, with Remote Online Notarization (RON) adding work-from-home opportunities.
How to complete a notary document?
Write the actual date that the signer personally appeared before you and you completed the notarization, regardless of the document date. Sign your name exactly as it appears on file with the Secretary of State and affix the official notary seal so that all the required elements of the notary seal appears legibly.
What mistakes can a notary make?
Forgetting to date the notarial certificate or using an incorrect date can render the notarization invalid. For example, when you take an acknowledgment, the signer may have signed and dated the document at an earlier date, but you should date the notarial certificate when you actually took the acknowledgement.
Can a notary notarize something without a stamp?
Yes, in almost all U.S. states, a notary public needs an official stamp (or embosser) with specific information like their name, commission info, and expiration date to authenticate a notarization, acting as their seal and vital proof against fraud, though a few states (like Louisiana) might differ, so checking state laws is crucial. Without this seal, a document often isn't considered legally notarized, making the stamp essential for validity.
How much does a $50,000 notary bond cost?
A $50,000 notary bond typically costs a small percentage (0.5% to 10%) of the bond amount, meaning around $250 to $5,000, but for specific states like Alabama requiring this amount, the price is fixed, often around $70-$140 for a 4-year term, depending on packages and credit, as the bond amount is set by law, not individual risk.