How do I make my notary seal visible?
Asked by: Felix Zieme I | Last update: September 20, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (59 votes)
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 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.
How to make embossed seal visible on scan?
Some states issue Professional Engineers and Registered Architects an embosser (a raised stamp) as opposed to an ink stamp, which can be tough to see in scanned documents. In this case, one option is to shade over it lightly with a pencil before scanning.
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.
Should notary seals be shaded or inked?
Most California Notaries use an inked stamp.
How To Use A Notary Seal Embosser
How do you shade a notary seal?
Lightly shade the crimping with the side of a pencil lead. That will make it show up in a copy. Don't use the point of the pencil and don't press too hard.
What is the best color for a notary stamp?
When notarizing paper documents, the stamp must be applied in permanent ink and be capable of being photocopied (NMAC 12.9. 3.12. A[1]). Best practice is to use blue or black ink.
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.
Where does the seal go on a certificate?
Typically, you will affix your seal next to your signature.
What is the difference between a notary stamp and a notary seal?
If you are wondering the difference between a notary seal and a notary stamp, the simple answer is that there is not much difference between the two. Notary stamps are simple to use, and their impressions are clear on document copies, while notary embossing seal embossers have a more official appearance.
How do you make a seal visible?
The seal impression inker will have the same configuration and dimensions of the circular metal embosser clamp. Carefully place the impression inker over the raised impression and apply pressure. Instantly the writing becomes darkened and thus more visible.
How do you know if a notary is real?
To check a notary, contact the issuing state's Notary Public Administrator. They'll confirm if it's legit.
When must a notary destroy their seal?
In California, Notaries must destroy or deface their seals upon resignation, termination or revocation of their commissions. However, California Notaries who are convicted of certain offenses and felonies are required to surrender their seals to the court.
What are the downsides of being a notary?
- Steady income can be difficult.
- You could be sued for a lot of money.
- Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.
What if I stamp my notary upside down?
Documents containing upside down, blurred, or partial Notary seal or stamp impressions are likely to get rejected.
What makes a notary 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.
Whose signature goes on a certificate?
It is common practice to have the signature of the person who holds the highest authority in the organization, such as the chairman or president, on a certificate of appreciation letter. However, if you would like to put the name of the organization instead of a specific individual, you can do so as well.
Which notarial certificate must be signed in the presence of a notary?
The notarial certificates that must be signed in the presence of a notary include an Acknowledgement, a Jurat, and a Copy Certification. In an Acknowledgement, the signer acknowledges that they are signing the document voluntarily and for its intended purpose.
Can a notary notarize without their 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.
What color pen should a notary use?
Notarizing: Although there is no law about which ink color should be used to notarize documents (in fact, a law requiring that notary public signatures be in black was repealed in 20131) most notaries prefer blue ink. It's easy to tell an original from a copy.
What should a notary signature line look like?
On this [ ] day of [ ], 20[ ], before me, the undersigned notary public appeared __________________, proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification, which were ___________, to be the person whose name is signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledge to me that [he] [she] signed it ...
Can a notary stamp be black?
The rules in California are "photographically reproducible." As long as it meets that standard, it's not a big deal. Since I don't know the rules in the rest of the country or world, for that matter, and have no desire to learn them, I just use black, the safe choice.