How is Vermont Unlike Other States in Its Notary Law?
Unlike many other states, the rules around notary commissions in Vermont are unique and notary terms are tied directly to the terms of the assistant judges who appoint notaries their commissions. For example, if you were to begin the process of becoming a notary today, no matter what day it was completed and you were appointed a notary, your Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal would indicate that your commission is set to expire on February 10, 2019. This is ten days after the terms of the current assistant judges in the various Vermont counties end.
So, How Do You Take the Steps to Become a Notary?
The first step is to submit the completed application form (and the necessary fee) to the county clerk's office in the county in which you reside. If you are a non-resident in an adjoining state, you must work in a Vermont county to apply and will give that county's name instead.
You will also have to take the oath of office in front of a current notary or other officers (justice of the Supreme Court, superior judge, justice of the
peace, and so on). This is also part of the application and passed on to the county clerk.Once the paperwork is received and approved, you will be appointed to the role of a notary and serve in that capacity until the assistant judge's term expires. Reapplying for the role is your responsibility. Unlike many other states, Vermont does not remind you that your term is about to expire, and so you must be sure to submit the new application in the appropriate timeframe.
Once you are an official notary, you will be able to use a Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal.
What Authority Do You Have as a Notary Public?
Though the state repealed the rules that made this mandatory, most notaries still use them to ensure that the information they contain is clear, legible, and validates documents that may be filed outside of the state.
A notary in Vermont is authorized to:
- Take acknowledgements
- Take oaths and affirmations
- Take affidavits and depositions
- Certify copies
- Protest notes or bills
As just indicated, the law does not require the use of a Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal, but if a document is leaving the state it is best if it does have the Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal.
What Details are Required for the Design of Your Seal?
If you do opt to use a Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal, it will have to be used nearest the signature and is best if it contains the following details:
- The name of the state written as "State of Vermont"
- Your title written as "Notary Public"
- Your name as it was commissioned
- The Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal should feature your current commission's expiration date
- You may also include your commission number on your Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal, but this is not required when notarizing documents
Because there is no mandate on the use of a Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal you may want to consider using a stamp rather than an embosser. The simple reason behind this is that a Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal must be capable of photographic reproduction and not every embosser provides a distinctly legible mark.
Be sure to choose a vendor with experience making a Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal as they will have the designs and sizes suitable to your needs, and a Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal capable of standing up to years of repeated use.
Your Vermont Notary Public stamp and seal may not be required, but it does make all of your notarial acts more professional and legible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Vermont notary public stamp and seal requirements?
A Vermont notary public stamp and seal should be legible and include the State of Vermont, your title as Notary Public, your name as commissioned, and your current commission expiration date. You may also include your commission number, but it is not required.
Is a Vermont notary stamp and seal required for every notarization?
No, Vermont law does not require notaries to use a stamp and seal on every notarization. However, many notaries still use one because it improves clarity, professionalism, and acceptance of documents, especially if the document will be used outside Vermont.
What should a Vermont notary stamp look like?
A compliant Vermont notary stamp should clearly show “State of Vermont,” “Notary Public,” your commissioned name, and your commission expiration date. It should be placed near your signature and must be readable and capable of photographic reproduction.
Why is a stamp often better than an embosser for Vermont notaries?
A stamp is often preferred because it creates a clear, reproducible image. Some embossers do not produce a mark that is easy to read or photocopy, which can cause problems when documents need to be filed, scanned, or accepted in another state.
How long does a Vermont notary commission last?
Vermont notary commissions are tied to the terms of the assistant judges who appoint notaries, so the expiration date is based on that term rather than a standard multi-year period. Because Vermont does not send expiration reminders, notaries must track renewal dates themselves.
How do I get a Vermont notary stamp and seal after I am commissioned?
After your application is approved and you are officially appointed, you can order a Vermont notary stamp and seal from a vendor that specializes in notary supplies. Make sure the design matches Vermont requirements and includes your current commission information before using it on notarizations.
