Notary stamps are a fundamental part of notarizing a document. They are used by a notary public who has the authority to verify documents. These stamps can be physical and digital. With everything going online and digital, the need for notary stamps has also increased.
There are many kinds of stamps and all serve different purposes. Keeping physical stamps for more than one purpose can be expensive. With digital stamps, you can create as many stamps as you like and never worry about losing them. Notary stamps are as valid as the physical stamps with some added benefits.
What Is A Notary Stamp?
Notary stamps are the authorizing seals and stamps that give any document the status of an official notice. All public notaries need a seal and stamp as a sign of their official capacity and the office they hold. These stamps are not regular stamps. They are only issued by a notary or a notary public. They carry legal and official value.
Elements of a Notary Stamp
A notary stamp usually looks like a small rectangle or circle that has several lines of text on it. The notary stamp and seal contain the following information:
1. Notary’s Name
A notary stamp requires the official and full name of the notary public. Without the name, the seal cannot be used on documents and carries no value.
2. Notary’s Commission Number
A Notary’s commission number is a special number assigned to every notary public when they are appointed. This number is unique and different for every notary commission. However, it is not issued in every state.
3. Notary’s Expiration Date
An expiration date indicates the time duration of the validity of a notary’s commission. Once the expiration date has passed. The notary person no longer has the authority to verify documents.
4. Notary’s Jurisdiction
This indicates the notary public’s state or jurisdiction under which they are commissioned to notarize. A notary public cannot notarize outside their jurisdiction.
All of these components are important to make a notary seal. Without these elements, a notary seal cannot be used in official and legal documents and does not authenticate the notarial act.
Types of Notary Stamps
There are three types of a notary stamp, notary seal, stamp, or embosser. Depending on the kind of document and the requirements, you can determine which kind of stamp you should use. You can also decide which one you need by looking at the distinctive features of all three.
• Notary Stamp
A notary stamp is mandatory for all notaries as it includes vital information. A stamp is ideal for an online document and also works well for public notices that need to be circulated among the public.
• Notary Seal or Embosser
A notary seal or embosser, on the other hand, is not mandatory for all states. You can use it on specific documents that already have an embossed typing and require a professional appearance. An embosser or notary seal is used for special certificates that are not reproduced on a large scale.
Key Differences Between a Notary Stamp and a Notary Seal/Embosser (Infographic)
Notary Stamp |
Notary StampNotary Seal/Embosser |
| It leaves an inked impression. | It creates a raised, embossed seal on the paper. |
| Includes essential notary information such as the notary’s name, commission number, state of commission, and expiration date of their commission. | Similar to the stamp, it can include the notary’s name and other details, though it often is less detailed. |
| The inked stamp is easily visible and photocopiable, making it practical for documents that need to be scanned or copied. | The raised seal from an embosser can be touched and felt on the paper because it sticks out. However, if you try to make a photocopy of it, it might not show up clearly unless you use a special type of ink that helps the raised part appear on the copy. |
Benefits of a Digital Notary Stamp
With online stamp making, you can create a custom notary stamp all by yourself. They are easy to make and use. You can choose your design from so many online templates ready to use. Other than that, there are several other benefits of using digital notary stamps and seals.
1. Time and Cost Effective
A notary stamp requires the official and full name of the notary public. Without the name, the seal cannot be used on documents and carries no value.
2. Notarizing Digital Document
A Notary’s commission number is a special number assigned to every notary public when they are appointed. This number is unique and different for every notary commission. However, it is not issued in every state.
3. Easy to Use
An expiration date indicates the time duration of the validity of a notary’s commission. Once the expiration date has passed. The notary person no longer has the authority to verify documents.
Dos and Don’ts when Creating Notary Stamps
When creating your own custom notary stamps, it’s important to keep in mind the Dos and Don’ts.
Get Online Notary
Finding a stampmaker in the market is a tedious and time taking task, and it costs a lot. Digital documents cannot be stamped with physical stamps so you need an online stamp. A convenient and effective alternative to physical stamps is the online stamp making websites.
StampJam is a high-quality online notary stamps maker. They offer free templates, a variety of fonts and symbols, and logos. Creating your custom stamps is made easy with so many options available on StampJam.
Stamp Jam offers some ready to download notary stamps. They are the most downloaded stamps and allow you to make the desired changes as well. The best notary stamps and seals by StampJam are as follows:
• NC notary stamp
• Alaska notary stamp
• Notary Acknowledgment stamp
• California notary stamps
• The notary stamp and journal Colorado
• Idaho notary stamp
• Kansas notary stamp
• New Mexico notary stamp
• Notary stamp Washington state
FAQs: Create the Best custom notrary stamps Online
Q: What is the difference between a notary stamp and a notary seal?
The terms “notary stamp” and “notary seal” are often used interchangeably. However, technically, a stamp refers to an inked stamping device, while a seal could refer to either a stamp, a wax seal, or an embossed seal.
Q: What if the information on my notary stamp changes?
If any essential information changes, such as your name or commission details, you will need to obtain a new notary stamp from Stamp Jam with the updated information.
Q: What do I do with my notary stamp if I am no longer a notary?
If you are no longer a notary, you should destroy your notary stamp to prevent misuse. Cutting up the rubber part of the stamp is a common method to ensure it cannot be used again.
Q: Which Documents Require a Notary Stamp?
Notary stamps and seals are mandatory for all legal and public documents. These documents include, Contracts and Agreements, Wills and Trusts, Property Deeds, Powers of Attorney, Affidavits, Medical Documents, etc.
To sign & stamp any kind of document within seconds use our free stamper application (with the purchase of a stamp).
Conclusion
By now, you have an understanding of what a notary stamp and seal is, and who needs it. If you are a public notary, or work for one, you can easily create your own notary stamp from Stamp Jam. The steps are easy and the choices are vast. You also know the important components of a notary stamp so you can avoid any errors while creating your custom stamps. This article has helped you understand what kind of documents require a notary stamp. With all the information, we are sure you can create your notary stamps and seal in as little as a few minutes.
Happy Stamping!
