How should my notary signature look?
Asked by: Dr. Pedro Towne | Last update: February 4, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (53 votes)
Your notary signature should look like your normal signature but must be legible, match the name on your commission, and appear with your official seal and printed details (like commission expiration) next to it, following your state's specific rules for placement and ink color (usually black or blue). The key is consistency and clarity, ensuring it matches your filed signature and seal for authentication.
How does a notarized signature look?
The signature of a notary public is going to look just like any other signature; however, one important feature that sets a notary public apart is the seal. There could be a raised stamp or seal that embosses the letter, setting a notarized document apart from others.
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.
Does my signature have to match my notary stamp?
According to Government Code 406.016(b), a Notary must sign their name exactly as it appears on the Notary commission. Your official Notary seal typically will contain your commission name, so if your Notary commission isn't handy you should use sign the name as it is on your seal.
What color should your notary stamp be?
Best practice is to use blue or black ink. Some other states have requirements for the color of ink Notaries should use: Florida requires Notaries officiating weddings to use black ink when completing required information on marriage documents.
The Most Common Types of Notarizations
What color should signatures be in?
While no law mandates a specific ink color for most legal documents, some attorneys prefer blue ink. This preference stems from the psychology and practicality of distinguishing originals from photocopies.
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.
What makes a signature invalid?
A signature becomes invalid if it's signed under duress (coercion), by someone lacking mental capacity, with fraudulent intent, or if it fails to prove identity (especially for e-signatures), lacks proper context (like intent to agree), or if the document itself is altered after signing, as these issues compromise the signer's free will, identity, or the document's integrity. Mistakes like missing witness details or improper signing procedures can also invalidate documents.
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.
What happens if your signature doesn't match?
Legal documents: If your new signature is drastically different, you might be asked to provide extra ID or clarification when signing contracts, banking documents, or immigration forms. It's rare, but it happens. Financial institutions: Banks sometimes keep signature cards on file to verify identities.
How to tell if someone is a legit notary?
Make sure the notary is authorized to notarize your document by asking to see the actual stamp imprint and the validity year. Once your document has been stamped, make sure the notary's name and commission number and the date when the commission expires are visible.
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.
Does a notarized will hold up in court?
Benefits of having a notarized Will
Reduces contestability: A notarized Will is much harder to challenge in court because the notary serves as an additional witness to your mental capacity and the authenticity of your signature.
What is an unacceptable signature?
o Illegible signature over a typed or printed. name. o Illegible signature where the letterhead, addressograph or other information on the page indicates the identity of the signatory. Example: An illegible signature appears on a prescription.
What does a proper signature look like?
Although signatures usually resemble the individual's name, they can be any mark or sign—as long as there's a way to certify that the signature belongs to the signee.
What are the legal requirements of a signature?
A signature does not need to contain your full name to be legally enforceable. However, a contract will only be legally binding if it contains an offer, acceptance, consideration, clarity of contract and the intention of both parties to create a legal relationship.
What happens if you mess up as a notary?
Remember, the signer can hold a notary public liable for a mistake in the notarized document. If there is direct wrongdoing in a notarization process, the notary public may be required to cover the damages and penalties.
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.
Will a notarized document stand 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.
What makes a signature illegal?
In most jurisdictions, a forged signature is not legal under any circumstances. Forging a signature is considered a form of fraud. It involves deceiving others by falsely representing someone's authorization or consent, which is illegal and can result in various legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
How can I check if a signature is valid?
To verify a digital signature's authenticity, first open the signed document using compatible software that supports digital signatures, such as PDF readers with signature validation features. Locate the signature panel, which displays details like the signer's certificate and validity status.
What are the rules for signature?
As long as it records the intent of the parties involved in a contractual agreement, it's a valid signature. Usually, this mark is made by a pen, but not necessarily. Anything that marks the paper can be a signature. Pencil is not favored because it can smudge and be erased.
How much do Notaries make per signature?
A notary typically makes $5 to $15 per signature for general work, set by state law, but can earn $75 to $200 or more per appointment as a mobile notary or signing agent for specialized services like loan closings, often adding travel and convenience fees. Earnings vary significantly by state, demand, and specialization, with some states limiting fees strictly (e.g., $2 in NY) and others allowing higher, reasonable charges or travel fees.
How to tell if a notary is legit?
To check if a notary is valid, look for their official stamp with a clear name, commission number, and expiration date, then verify these details online on your state's Secretary of State website, using their notary search tool to confirm the commission is active and matches the stamp, ensuring the document shows a valid seal and signature for legal authenticity.
Can a notary take a picture of my ID?
Is it OK to accept copies of ID when notarizing, whether physical or a photo taken with a phone? No. Notaries should never accept copies of identification documents from a signer as proof of identity.