What Do You Need for Your North Dakota Notary Seal
Just because it is extremely straightforward and simple to become an official notary in the state of North Dakota, it does not mean that you won't need a few official North Dakota notary supplies. For example, you will have to begin the process by ensuring you meet the qualifications required by the Secretary of the State before granting a commission. Next, your North Dakota notary supplies will include a full application as obtained through the state.
With the application, you are going to be effectively swearing an oath of office, and this requires that among the different North Dakota notary supplies you also include what is known as a surety or Notary Bond. This is a form of insurance and in this state it is required that you have at least $7500 coverage. Evidence of this must be provided before you can receive your commission.
With the receipt of a commission, most notaries are provided with a formal Notary Certificate. This is often essential to obtaining the next of your key North Dakota notary supplies, which is your notary seal.
A notary in the state of North Dakota cannot perform their duty without a proper seal.
As the most important of your North Dakota notary supplies, it must meet the state's design guidelines. These are:- It must be an ink stamp (embossing devices were eliminated in 2003)
- The seal has to be photographically reproducible
- It must feature your title as "Notary Public"
- It must include the full name of the state written as "State of North Dakota"
- It has to feature your name as it appears in your commission
- It must indicate the current expiration date of your commission
- It can be rectangular (no larger than 7/8" x 25/8") or circular (no greater than 1-5/8" in diameter)
- It must feature a visible border
- It MUST NOT depict the state seal or any other text (i.e. your commission number)
Naturally, you must have a Notary Certificate (evidence of commission) and proof that the surety has been obtained before you can purchase this - the most important of all your North Dakota notary supplies.
Other Important Supplies You Might Need
What else do you need among your North Dakota notary supplies in order to do the job properly? While the application, surety, commission, and seal are your key North Dakota notary supplies and the state does not require you to use or have anything else during your six-year term of office, if you speak with notaries around the country, you would hear each of them saying that some sort of journal or notary record book should be included amongst the supplies you use.
Although state law does not require you to maintain a journal among your North Dakota notary supplies, and the surety bond is there to support any legal issues that arise from doing your duty, it is always extremely useful to have such a logbook on hand.
After all, consider what your tasks will be as a notary. You will:
- Execute protests
- Witness or attest to signatures
- Certify or attest copies
- Administer oaths
- Administer affirmations
- Take verifications on oaths
- Take verifications on affirmations
- Take acknowledgments and proofs
Clearly, those are all very different activities and it is going to be extremely useful to just keep some basic records of each service you provide in your official capacity. That is why it is a good idea to also use an informal journal as part of your North Dakota notary supplies.
When purchasing any North Dakota notary supplies, though, be sure you are using the best quality goods available. After all, your term of office is for six years. That is a lot of wear and tear on a rubber or self-inking stamp. It has to print clearly and sharply and be photographically reproducible, so you'll want to buy your official seal from a trusted vendor. Many of these suppliers also make other notary supplies available too and can really enable you to do the job as professionally as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies do I need to become a North Dakota notary public?
To become a North Dakota notary public, you typically need the completed state application, proof of a $7,500 surety bond, your commission certificate, and a compliant North Dakota notary seal. While not required by state law, many notaries also use a journal or record book to keep track of notarizations.
What are the North Dakota notary seal requirements?
Your North Dakota notary seal must be an ink stamp and must be photographically reproducible. It must include your name exactly as it appears on your commission, the title “Notary Public,” and the words “State of North Dakota.” It also needs to show your commission expiration date and have a visible border. The seal cannot include the state seal or extra text like your commission number.
Is a notary journal required in North Dakota?
No, North Dakota does not require a notary journal by law. However, many notaries keep a journal anyway because it helps document notarizations, organize records, and provide an extra layer of protection if questions ever arise about a signing.
How much surety bond coverage do North Dakota notaries need?
North Dakota notaries are required to carry a surety bond with at least $7,500 in coverage. Proof of the bond must be provided before a commission can be issued. This bond helps protect the public in the event of mistakes or legal issues related to notarial acts.
When can I buy my North Dakota notary seal?
You should wait until you have received your notary commission certificate and proof of your surety bond before purchasing your seal. Since the seal must match your commission details exactly, ordering it after you are officially commissioned helps ensure accuracy and compliance.
Where should I buy North Dakota notary supplies?
It’s best to buy North Dakota notary supplies from a trusted vendor that specializes in notarial products. A reputable supplier can help ensure your seal meets state requirements, lasts through your six-year term, and prints clearly for professional, compliant notarizations.
