How to Remain in Compliance Regarding Your Arkansas State Notary Public Seal
Becoming a notary public is serious business, as it means that you will be notarizing any number of official documents. In order to perform notarizations, you’re going to need an Arkansas notary public stamp and seal, but you can’t simply take any old stamp or seal down off the shelf at your local office supply store; there are some very specific requirements that need to be met concerning your Arkansas notary public stamp's shape and appearance. Here’s what you need to know in order to remain in compliance with Arkansas state law.
In the state of Arkansas, as in other states in the US, you’re required to have a seal of office if you’re a notary public. This can take the form of either an Arkansas notary public stamp or seal, as they are interchangeable.
However, whether you use an embossed seal or a rubber stamp, the image or mark must be clear and legible, and it must be reproducible in a photograph; if you use a stamp instead of a seal, you’re limited to using either blue ink or black ink with your rubber stamp.
Requirements for the Design of Your Arkansas Seal
There are several things that must appear in your Arkansas notary public stamp or seal. They include:
- The name of the notary public as it would be written in their full signature
- The name of the county where the notary’s bond is filed
- The words “Arkansas” and “notary public”
- The commission number for notaries commissioned after January 1, 2006
- The date the notary’s commission expires
In addition, an Arkansas notary public stamp or seal – which may either be round or rectangular, according to state law – must not under any circumstances include an image of the Great Seal of Arkansas or an outline of the state.
Where Else Can I Find Information and Where Can I Get My Seal?
If you have further questions or are in search of additional information concerning Arkansas notary public stamps and seals, visit the Notary Public section of the Arkansas Secretary of State website. This site will be able to direct you to how to apply to become a notary and many other topics related to serving as a notary public.
Here at Acorn Sales Company Incorporated, we specialize in custom-made stamps and seals for notaries. We can provide you with an Arkansas notary public stamp or seal that complies with the rigorous requirements of your state in order to ensure that your official duties as a notary public can be undertaken with confidence. Acorn Sales offers a full range of desk and pocket seals, self-inking stamps, slim pre-inked stamps, and even both traditional rubber hand stamps and ink pads for all your needs. Additionally, Acorn Sales offers stamps and seals for architects, professional engineers, land surveyors, and many other official positions and professions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Arkansas notary public stamp and seal requirements?
Arkansas notaries must use a seal of office, which can be either an embossed seal or a rubber stamp. The seal must be clear, legible, and reproducible in a photograph. If you use a rubber stamp, it must be in blue or black ink only.
What information must be included on an Arkansas notary seal?
An Arkansas notary public stamp or seal must include the notary’s name exactly as it appears in their full signature, the county where the notary’s bond is filed, the words “Arkansas” and “notary public,” the commission number for notaries commissioned after January 1, 2006, and the commission expiration date.
Can an Arkansas notary stamp be round or rectangular?
Yes. Arkansas law allows a notary public stamp or seal to be either round or rectangular. The main requirement is that it meets all state specifications and remains clear, legible, and compliant with Arkansas notary stamp regulations.
Can my Arkansas notary seal include the Great Seal of Arkansas or the state outline?
No. An Arkansas notary public stamp or seal must not include an image of the Great Seal of Arkansas or an outline of the state. Including either could make your seal noncompliant with Arkansas notary seal requirements.
Do I need to include my commission number on my Arkansas notary stamp?
If you were commissioned after January 1, 2006, your commission number must be included on your Arkansas notary public stamp or seal. If you were commissioned before that date, the commission number requirement may not apply, but your seal still must meet all other state rules.
Where can I buy a compliant Arkansas notary public stamp and seal?
You can purchase a custom Arkansas notary public stamp or seal from a trusted vendor that specializes in notary supplies. Look for a provider that offers state-compliant designs and options such as self-inking stamps, slim stamps, desk seals, pocket seals, and embossers to ensure your notarizations stay valid and enforceable.
