What is the best type of notary stamp?

Asked by: Shanie Goldner  |  Last update: March 8, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (56 votes)

Self-Inking Stamps Popular among notaries for their efficiency, these stamps typically last for thousands of impressions before needing a refill.

Are all notary stamps the same?

Each state has rules for what type of official seal Notaries must use. Some require ink stamps, some allow using either an embosser or an ink stamp, and a few even make use of an official seal optional.

What is the difference between a round stamp and a rectangular stamp?

The round shape is visually distinct and often signifies authenticity and authority. Rectangular Rubber Stamps: These stamps are usually rectangular or square and are commonly used for text-based information such as addresses, dates, or official titles. The shape allows for more space to include detailed information.

What is the difference between rubber stamps and embossing seals?

An embosser will only create a raised, or crimped, un-inked impression on the page while a rubber stamp creates only an inked impression.

What color ink is best for a notary stamp?

Black is the most common color of ink selected by notaries when choosing stamp seal ink color. The only states with laws that require that their notaries have black ink in their seal are Florida, Oregon, Illinois, Delaware, Missouri, and Massachusetts.

Notary Stamps vs. Notary Seals: What's the Difference?

32 related questions found

Does notary stamp color matter?

Practically, the color of a notary stamp can affect the legibility and visibility of the impression it creates on documents. Opting for a color that contrasts well with the ink used for notarization ensures that the stamp is easily readable, even on documents with dark or light backgrounds.

What is the best font for a notary stamp?

Court-approved legal document fonts.
  • Arial.
  • Century (and Century-related fonts like Century Schoolbook)
  • Verdana.
  • Adobe Caslon Pro.
  • Adobe Sabon.

When to use a notary embosser?

Do not place an impression of the seal on every page of a document or fan the pages of the document and place an impression of the seal across all pages. California notaries may use an embosser as long as the impression is photographically reproduceable.

Are rubber stamps better?

If clear stamps are best for achieving a bold and vibrant effect, rubber stamps are known for their clarity. All you have to do is apply some ink, press it on paper, and that's it! You'll find that the details are translated well and that the result has a clean look.

How to make a notary seal visible when scanning?

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.

When to use round seal?

When conducting a business that involves the exchange of documents containing sensitive information, circular rubber stamps are used. In most cases, a company or institution is only permitted to use a single seal of the round shape. If any extra seals are needed, only stamp design seals or stamps can be used.

What is the most common type of stamp?

Postage stamps are the most commonly used stamps and have a fixed amount of postage noted on them. Also, postage stamps are sold in a number of different forms.

What is a self-inking notary stamp?

The construction of the self-inking stamp is different: it uses a built-in ink pad to re-ink itself after each application. The ink pad is up in the casing of the stamp so that when pressure is applied the die plate hits the ink pad and flips to make the engraved impression on the document.

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.

Do notary stamps expire?

Notary commissions are given for a prescribed time period. In California, the period is four years. The commission is accompanied by a notary seal or stamp, which has the commission number and the date of expiration.

Can I have two notary stamps?

Having Multiple Notary Stamps - A Good Practice

It may be prudent when ordering your notary stamp to order one or two additional stamps at the same time. Each notary stamp must have the same exact information.

Is rubber stamping illegal?

However, the unauthorized use of a rubber stamp signature is simply, and legally, a forgery. Unless the law or your own company policy requires an actual personal signature (e.g., sworn affidavit), a signature stamp is fine. Most judges use stamps for their signature on legal documents.

Does it matter what stamps you use?

In 2011, all first-class one ounce stamps became forever stamps with the exception of stamps in coils of 500, 3,000, and 10,000. As the name suggests, Forever Stamps can be used to mail a one-ounce letter regardless of when the stamps are purchased or used and no matter how prices may change in the future.

What is the difference between a clear stamp and a rubber stamp?

One of the most obvious differences between clear stamps and rubber stamps lies in their physical makeup. Traditional rubber stamps are usually made from a dense, red rubber material, with designs etched onto the surface. Clear stamps, on the other hand, are typically made from transparent photopolymer or silicone.

What states require a notary seal?

So, which states actually require an embossed notary seal? As of June 2024, only Colorado and Idaho have this as a firm requirement across the board for all notarizations. A few other states, like California and Illinois, give notaries public the option to choose between an embossed seal or a rubber notary stamp.

What color pen should be used when notary signing?

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 can I do with an old notary embosser?

One or the other. While most states either require you to turn in your seal or destroy it yourself, others may require both under certain circumstances. In California, Notaries must destroy or deface their seals upon resignation, termination or revocation of their commissions.

What is the best color for a notary stamp?

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.

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.