Can I notarize something without my stamp?
Asked by: Catharine Kuhlman | Last update: January 2, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (39 votes)
New York notaries do not need a seal stamp. But choosing to purchase one can make your life easier in terms of workflow management. A simple stamping device can save you hours of time typewriting the required information below your signature.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
What makes a notarized document invalid?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.
Does NYS require a notary stamp?
The use of a Notary seal is not required in the state of New York, but a Notary must print, typewrite, or stamp certain information on every notarial certificate. The stamps and embossers listed below fulfill those requirements.
Can I handwrite my notary stamp?
If the content is satisfactory and the certificate wording meets the requirements of your state's laws, a handwritten notarial certificate is acceptable.
What should I do if there is no room for my notary stamp?
Can I notarize something without a stamp?
All 50 states require public notaries to place their respective stamp on documents as a means to finalize and authenticate the service. Without this stamp, the document is not legally notarized.
Is a document legal without the notary stamp?
Some jurisdictions do not require a notary public to stamp the document with their notary stamp in order for the document to be considered legally notarized. The notary stamp on a document makes the document look more official and is preferred if it is available to stamped by a notary public in most cases.
Do notarized documents need to be stamped?
Although official requirements can vary from state to state, the basic process for notarizing a document involves three steps: verifying the identity of the signer, observing the signature and marking the signature with a stamp or seal.
What can a NY notary not notarize?
A notary cannot proceed if the document is not “original,” bearing the signer's original, wet-ink signature (not a photocopy or fax of a signed document). A notary cannot proceed if the required notarial act is not indicated by the document, the signer or someone connected to the document.
Can you use an expired notary stamp in NY?
You should continue to use the old stamp as long as your current commission term is still in force. Once that commission expires and the new commission is effective, you can use your new stamp. Confronted with a tricky notarization?
What happens if you do a notary wrong?
What happens if a notary makes a mistake? The National Notary Association suggests that even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences. The notarized document could get rejected. A mistake that results in a rejection can result in late fees and penalties on the part of the client.
How long is a notary stamp good for?
Does a notarized document ever expire? The notarization of any document does not expire itself. This means there is no such rule that states that a specific notary stamp expires and will not be acceptable after a certain date.
How do I fix my notary stamp?
If your Notary seal should get smudged, be administered too lightly, or come out unevenly inked, affix a second seal near, but not over, the first one. Make sure it is readable and able to be photocopied. In doing so, make sure not to cover or obscure any other text or images on the document.
Does it matter if a notary stamp is upside down?
Documents containing upside down, blurred, or partial Notary seal or stamp impressions are likely to get rejected.
What is a notary liable for?
A notary public is liable for all damages caused by his or her errors, omissions, improper notarizations, or negligence in the performance of a notarial act even if such actions were made inadvertently.
Which of the following offenses cancels a notary application?
The examples include but are not limited to: assault, arson, auto theft, burglary, possession or sale of illegal drugs, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, failure to pay child support or failure to comply with a court order.
Do you need a stamp to notarize in NY?
New York law requires notaries to use a stamp that leaves a clear, legible impression on the document. The stamp must include the notary's name, county, commission number, and expiration date.
Can I refuse to notarize a document?
Here are several other potential situations when you should refuse the request: You know or suspect the transaction is false, illegal or deceptive. The act being requested is not an authorized notarial act. The signer is unable or unwilling to pay the required fee.
What color ink should a notary use in New York?
No, there is no statute in New York that requires signers to sign in a certain color. Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions.
How do I notarize without a stamp?
If you want to notarize a document or letter without a notary section, you have some options. For example, a notary public might be able to attach a loose certificate to it. On the other hand, the notary can also write a notary section with hand on the document or letter itself.
Does a notarized letter have to be handwritten?
Yes, you may notarize a signature on a document that includes handwritten paragraphs. A document can be typed or handwritten. If the notarial certificate under the signature is not included, be sure to attach a loose certificate chosen by your customer.
Does a notarized document need to be stamped?
Yes. The notary statutes in most states dictate that the notary public sign and affix a notary seal to the certificate at the time of the execution of the notarization.
Where do I stamp my notary seal?
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 purpose of a notary stamp?
A notary stamp is used to verify the authenticity of documents and signatures, ensuring compliance with state-specific requirements to prevent fraud and maintain the integrity of legal transactions.
What is required by a notary of the person signing the notarized document?
Notaries in California must carefully verify the signer's identity. Acceptable identification includes state-issued driver's licenses, passports, or federal IDs, all of which must be current or issued within the last five years. If a signer lacks these, credible witnesses with valid identification can be used.