Which notary stamp is better?
Asked by: Maci Brekke IV | Last update: July 8, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (34 votes)
The best notary stamps, widely considered the top choices for reliability and crisp impressions, are the Trodat Printy 4913 (self-inking) and Xstamper (pre-inked) brands, with prices typically ranging from $15 to $45. These options offer durable, long-lasting impressions, with the Trodat 4913 favored for its compact design and the Xstamper for high-volume use.
Does it matter which notary stamp you use?
The right stamp makes a statement about your professionalism as a notary public. Selecting the proper stamp matters almost as much as your license itself.
What is the best notary stamp to get?
The Trodat sky-blue notary stamp offers solid construction that guarantees the highest durability and the best imprint quality.
Is it better to have a round or rectangular notary stamp?
Seal Shapes And Sizes
Round versions can require an ink pad, or they might be self-inking as well. Your choice comes down to preference and comfort. Rectangular: Popular for their self-contained inking mechanism, which means fewer ink smudges.
Which type of stamp is best?
The best, most reliable, and widely used stamps in 2026 for mailing are USPS Forever Stamps, including the 2024 Love series and 2025 U.S. Flags, which offer a versatile $0.73 value for 1-ounce letters. For office or personalized use, Trodat Printy 4913 and ExcelMark self-inking stamps are top choices for crisp, durable, and customizable impressions.
My favorite Notary Stamp is...
Does it matter what kind of stamp I 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. Can I exchange my older stamps for newly priced stamps after a price increase? The USPS does not exchange stamps solely because of new postage prices.
What stamps are no longer in use?
US postage stamps do not expire and remain valid for postage indefinitely, regardless of their age or face value. As of 2026, stamps purchased decades ago can be used, provided they are unused and not damaged. If the stamp has a denomination lower than the current rate, simply add more stamps to meet the required amount.
Should my notary stamp be black or blue?
If your state does not address which color ink to use when notarizing documents, ordering a notary stamp with a blue ink color is best.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
Here are the top twelve most common errors made by notaries: 1- Failing to Check ID Properly As a notary, verifying the identity of signers is a crucial aspect of your role. It is paramount that you only perform notarizations for individuals whose identity you have confirmed.
Who can use a round stamp?
Are round stamps only for "official" or legal documents? Not at all. While they definitely give off that "official" energy, plenty of creative businesses use a round stamp for things like coffee cups, loyalty cards, or even branding their paper bags.
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.
Should I get an embosser or a stamp?
Embossers create a raised, ink-free, and elegant 3D impression on paper, whereas stamps use ink to create a flat, highly visible, and colorful mark. Embossers are generally used for security and sophistication (books, notary seals, stationery), while stamps offer versatility for fast, decorative, or, as seen on Simply Stamps, frequent labeling.
Do all notary stamps look the same?
Every state has its own requirements for notary stamps. There are minor differences from state to state. For example, some states require a round stamp, while others require a rectangular one.
What is the best brand of notary stamp?
The best notary stamp brands, favored for durability and clear, consistent impressions, are Trodat and Xstamper. The Trodat Printy 4913 is widely considered the top choice for self-inking stamps, while Xstamper is recognized for high-quality, pre-inked stamps.
Do I have to put my full name on my notary stamp?
The name on your notarial seal must be exactly as it appears on your commission (GS 10B-37[b]). If your commission was issued to you with your middle initial, the seal must contain the middle initial. Confronted with a tricky notarization?
What are the two types of stamps?
Types of postal stamps available for purchase
Some of the most common types of postal stamps include: First-Class Mail® postage stamps are used to send letters and postcards to destinations within the US. International Postcard and Letter postage stamps are used to send mail to destinations outside the US.
What do notaries get sued for?
You fail to administer an Oath. If you are notarizing using a Jurat, a verbal oath is required, and the signer must verbally attest to the truthfulness of the documents, and attest that they are signing of their own free will. You can be fined and can lose your commission.
Can my boyfriend notarize something for me?
A notary generally cannot notarize a document if they have a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction. While rules vary by state, notarizing for family members is often prohibited or legally risky due to conflicts of interest.
Which state has the hardest notary test?
And the toughest notary exam is...
New York has the toughest exam to become a notary with a minimum passing score of 70%. The disconnect is that New York does not require any training requirements which leaves the individual on his own for preparing for the exam from one of the online exam preparation materials.
What makes a notary invalid?
Improper Notary Seal or Certification: A valid notarization requires the notary's seal and certification. If the seal is missing, incomplete, or improperly affixed, the document may be invalid. Similarly, if the notary's commission has expired, any documents they notarize are invalid.
Which stamp color is best?
Black and navy-colored ink are standard for professional rubber stamps. Those colors work best for signature stamps, inter-office memos, and plain, straight-forward packaging stamps.
Can I design my own notary stamp?
You can easily customize your notary stamp or embosser online by entering your state, name, and commission details. All orders are backed by our satisfaction guarantee, and most products ship quickly so you can get back to business without delay.
What are the 10 rarest stamps?
Rare Stamps
- 1857 1c Franklin, Blue, Type III, Imperf. ...
- 1861 3c Washington, Pigeon Blood Pink, Perf. ...
- 1866 15c Abraham Lincoln, Black, Perf. ...
- 1846 10c St. ...
- 1847 10c St. ...
- 1869 24c Declaration of Independence, Green and Violet, Hard Wove... ...
- 1880 7c Edwin M. ...
- 1894 $2 James Madison, Bright Blue, Unwatermarked, Perf.
Can you peel off an unused stamp and reuse it?
No, you cannot legally take a stamp off a letter and reuse it, even if it has not been cancelled (postmarked) by the USPS. Reusing a stamp is a federal crime in the United States, punishable by fines or imprisonment. Once a stamp has passed through the mail system, it is considered used.
Can I still use Christmas stamps in 2026?
Christmas Stamps: although we are adding barcodes to Christmas Stamps — non-barcoded Christmas Stamps will remain valid as postage after 31 January 2023 — so there is no need to swap them out. Any stamps which are pre-decimalisation are not eligible for swap out — as they don't have a postage value.