Notary stamps maker

A notary stamp, also called a notary seal, is the official mark a commissioned notary public applies when completing a notarization. Its wording, size and format are set by the notary's state or country, and it may only be used by the notary named on it. The templates on this page help a notary or a stamp vendor draft and proof a layout before ordering. The stamp image itself does not notarize anything.

A notary stamp is obtained by a commissioned notary under the rules of their jurisdiction. In some U.S. states, only authorized vendors may make a notary seal, and they ask to see the commission first. A notary stamp typically includes:

• The notary's name exactly as commissioned
• The words "Notary Public"
• The commission number or ID
• The state, and often the county, of commission
• The expiration date of the commission

When a notary completes a notarization, they generally confirm that:

1. The signer appeared before them, in person or, where remote notarization is allowed, by approved audio-video technology.
2. The signer's identity was checked.
3. The signer appeared to sign willingly.

The stamp works together with the notary's signature, the notarial certificate wording and, in many states, a journal entry. The stamp alone is not a notarization.

• Identifying the notary. The stamp shows who performed the notarization and under which commission, so a recipient or records office can check it.
• Required for many documents. Deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits and some loan papers often must be notarized before they are accepted.
• Discouraging fraud. The identity check behind a notarization discourages impersonation and forged signatures. It does not make a document legally valid or enforceable on its own.
• Use abroad. Documents headed to another country often need notarization first, followed by an apostille or another authentication step.

1. Traditional rubber stamps use a separate ink pad and suit occasional notarizations.
2. Self-inking stamps have a built-in pad and are the common choice for daily use.
3. Pre-inked stamps hold ink in the die and give sharp impressions for high volumes.
4. Embossing seals leave a raised, inkless impression. Many states require an inked seal that photocopies clearly; where an embosser is allowed, it is often an addition rather than a replacement.
5. Electronic notary seals are used for electronic and remote online notarization where the state allows it. They are tied to the notary's commission, an approved platform and usually a digital certificate. An image made in a design tool is not an electronic notary seal.

Common rules include:

• Set format: many jurisdictions specify the content, shape, maximum size, border style and ink color, which is often black.
• Personal use only: only the notary named on the stamp may use it.
• Expiration: when a commission ends or the notary's name changes, a new stamp is needed.
• Secure handling: notaries must keep the stamp under their control, and many states require reporting a lost or stolen seal.

Breaking these rules can lead to fines or loss of the commission. Your notary handbook or commissioning office is the authority on what your stamp must show.

• United States: each state sets its own requirements for stamps, journals and fees, and many now permit remote online notarization with separate rules.
• Civil-law countries: in Germany, France and similar systems, notaries are trained legal professionals who draft and authenticate certain contracts and deeds, and their seals follow national rules.
• Asia: China and Japan have public notary offices, and notarization is common for cross-border business and personal documents.

Check the local rules before designing or ordering a notary stamp.

If you are a commissioned notary preparing a new stamp, or a vendor proofing artwork, a template here lets you check the layout before production:

1. Choose a rectangular or round template that matches the shape your state allows.
2. Replace the sample name, commission number, county and expiration date with your exact commission details. Straight text suits rectangular layouts; curved text suits the outer ring of a round seal.
3. Set the size your state permits and keep a plain single or double border. If your state requires a border style the editor does not offer, have your authorized vendor produce it.
4. Use black ink unless your rules say otherwise, and choose a plain, readable font.
5. Export a PDF or PNG proof to review, and SVG or EPS if the vendor asks for vector artwork.

The can also draft a first layout from a short description, which you then check line by line against your commission. For a list of fields to confirm, see these .

Do not use the exported image in place of your official seal, and never create a notary stamp for someone else's commission.

1. Keep the stamp secure and locked away when not in use.
2. Record each notarization in a journal where your state requires one.
3. Never lend it to assistants, family or colleagues.
4. Replace it on time when your commission or details change.
5. Make clear impressions that do not cover text or signatures.

With remote online notarization, where it is allowed, a notary verifies identity through approved technology and applies an electronic seal and digital certificate on an approved platform. A digital stamp image and a digital signature are different things; this guide to explains the difference.

Can I notarize a document with a stamp image from SealsDigital?

No. Exported stamps are visual artwork. A notarization requires a commissioned notary following their jurisdiction's procedure, and electronic notarization uses an approved platform and certificate. Use SealsDigital only to draft and proof a stamp layout.

What information has to appear on a notary stamp?

Usually the notary's name, "Notary Public", the commission number, the jurisdiction and the expiration date. The exact list depends on your state or country, so confirm it with your commissioning authority.

Should a notary stamp be round or rectangular?

Both are common. Some states accept either shape within maximum dimensions; others specify one.

Do I need a new stamp when my commission is renewed?

Usually yes, because the commission number or expiration date on the stamp changes. A legal name change also calls for a new stamp.