What notary stamp is best?
Asked by: Lucinda Okuneva V | Last update: May 5, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (55 votes)
Self-Inking Stamps They offer quick and clean impressions. Popular among notaries for their efficiency, these stamps typically last for thousands of impressions before needing a refill.
What is the best type of notary stamp?
The more commonly preferred modern choice is a self-inking stamp. These have a small built-in ink pad within the stamp's frame. After each use, the stamp die rotates against the pad to prepare for the next stamping. Self-inking stamps make for an effortless stamping process for busy notaries.
Should I get an embosser or a stamp?
Notary embossers are the traditional method of notarization, so it is more trusted, widely accepted, and looks more official than stamps. The information included in the design is the same as a notary stamp. However, the impression the embosser makes is not so visible.
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.
Should notary stamp ink be blue or black?
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ink color should be used to notarize documents (in fact, a law requiring that notary public signatures be in black was repealed in 20131) most notaries prefer blue ink.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.
My favorite Notary Stamp is...
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.
Is it better to use blue or black ink?
Should you use black or blue ink for legal documents? The answer is simple. Black ink is still the best pen for signature on most legal documents. Despite blue ink's popularity, most professional documents and forms require us to use black ink.
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.
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.
Is an embosser illegal?
Under the law, simply having a card embosser is not illegal. However, falsely making or embossing a credit card, having a falsely made or embossed card, or having or transferring a card knowing it was falsely made or embossed is illegal.
Does it matter what stamp you use?
You may use any Denomination stamp(s) to equal the total postage affixed. Total postage affixed must equal at least the postage charge for the class of the mail.
What is the difference between a notary stamp and an embosser?
A Notary stamp or embosser (which is capable of photographic reproduction) is required in California. Most California Notaries use an inked stamp. Some Notaries use an embosser in addition to their Notary stamps for extra fraud protection. Notaries are advised to keep their seal in a secure location when not in use.
Does Staples sell notary stamps?
Notary Stamps. Browse our notary stamp selection and choose one or more that meet a specific state and information criteria. Notarizing documents confirm the signing of official papers has been done.
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 do I dispose of my old notary stamp?
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.
How long does it take to get a notary stamp?
Once your documents have been received, your stamp will be shipped within 3 business days. Please check here for updates and alerts for deliveries affected by disruptions in service.
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 makes a notary stamp invalid?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
For example, the seal must include the notary's name, commission number, and expiration date. 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.
How much does the UPS store charge for notary?
For example, here in California, our UPS store charges $15 per notary signature. Where as other states are lower, sometimes even under $10. However if the notary has to come you or travel for any reason to do the job, the notary can charge whatever traveling fee they would like to on top of the charge per signature.
What color pen should be used when notary signing?
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.
Who uses purple ink?
Purple-ink users (like the red-ink users above) want to stand out and be unique. They may also have trust issues. Pink-ink users are sentimental, adaptable, and need to share. And users of green ink?
Why can't you use blue ink on legal documents?
“It is easier to assume that the document is `original` if it is signed in blue ink.” And with the sophistication of today`s technology, it`s entirely reasonable that a copy could be mistaken for an original. It is not difficult to imagine the various documents that could be changed for shameful purposes.