Where do I stamp my notary seal?

Asked by: Billy Hauck  |  Last update: November 20, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (20 votes)

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.

Where does a notary place their stamp?

The notary public must affix his or her notary seal near his or her notary signature within the borders of the notarial certificate.

Where does the seal go on a certificate?

Typically, you will affix your seal next to your signature.

Are notary seal and stamp the same thing?

Both a stamp and a seal are two different ways of applying a notarization seal to ensure a document is accepted as legally binding. Different states and jurisdictions may have different requirements regarding whether a stamp or seal is required, what types of documents require them, and in what configuration.

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.

Notary Training: Do I Stamp Every Time I See The Word SEAL

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How long does it take to get a notary stamp?

Notary stamps can be delivered in five to seven business days after certificate is received.

Where does a seal go on a document?

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 seal or stamp?

Seals are usually linked to authentication and authority, often featuring intricate designs that are difficult to copy. Stamps, on the other hand, are more versatile and commonly used for a variety of administrative and commercial tasks.

How do you stamp a seal?

Method
  1. Light the wax stick and let the wax drip down into a puddle just smaller than the size of your wax stamp.
  2. Firmly press your sealing stamp in the wax for a couple of seconds and leave it to harden for about a minute. Gently remove the sealing stamp. ...
  3. Admire your beautiful impression!

Can a notary have two 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.

How to make a notary seal visible?

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.

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.

Does the post office do notary stamps?

USPS doesn't notarize documents, as it is a federal organization, and notaries usually operate on a state-by-state basis. However, there are many options to receive notary services, including major banks, such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America, local notary offices, and your local UPS store.

Whose name goes on the notary stamp?

The stamp includes the name and title of the Notary Public, the date and location of notarization, and the Notary's commission expiration date. Notaries are impartial witnesses who verify the identity of a person who is signing a document and witness the individual's signature.

What notary stamp is best?

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 do you say when you notarize a document?

Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on ______________ by _________________. This record was acknowledged before me on _______________ by ___________________. Signed (or attested) before me on _______________ by _____________________.

What is the difference between a notary stamp and a notary seal?

Notary stamps are rubber stamps that are inked and pressed upon the document. While they don't have the same caché as notary seals embossed on the paper, they do have one main advantage: they can be photocopied. Notary embossed seals don't show up on copied documents.

How to use notary seal embosser?

In order to unlock your pocket embosser, place the embosser in your hand and squeeze the embosser. Move the lock to the down position. Your seal will now be in the open position and ready to use. To use the seal, insert your paper between the top and bottom plate, and squeeze with your hand to crimp the paper.

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 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.