Administrative supplies such as notary seals, registry books, manuals, and raised seals are available for notaries to certify various legal documents. A notary public stamp is the sole property of a notary public. It must be kept under the direct and exclusive supervision of the notary. A notary public stamp, usually of the rubber stamp type, is affixed to all paper documents notarized in photographically reproducible black ink.
Notary public stamps typically contain the notary’s full legal name, the title “Notary Public, including State,” the commission number, and the commission expiration date. In some states, there is a line with the county in which the notary is qualified. This information is usually seen right after the status.
The rubber stamp is the official sign to use on a paper document. An impression type stamp is also used in addition to the rubber stamp. However, the regulations do not allow the use of only the impression-type seal.
A notary public whose official seal is lost, stolen, or found in someone else’s control must immediately notify the Department of State or the Governor. Any person who illegally possesses a notarial public official seal or any papers related to notarial deeds is punished.
In general, states do not provide notary public stamps. They issue notarial commission certificates, to be taken to a rubber stamp company as proof of commission. The certificate allows the seller to take the order for a notary public seal.
To get a notary public stamp, first check with your surety bond company that normally makes the stamps. If you can’t find one, the yellow pages that deal with stamps, seals, notary supplies, and stationers can help. A notary seal cannot be requested until the notary public certificate is accepted.