How Are You Allowed to Use Your New York Notary Public Seal?
Just because you have your New York notary supplies doesn’t mean you should be in a rush to start using them. First, read over what your New York notary supplies entail. Even if the secretary of state personally handed them to you, it pays to make sure everything is in order. Otherwise, everything you do with your New York notary supplies will be irrelevant. Not only will you have some very unhappy people on your hands, but you could get into legal trouble as well.
The first thing you should know about your New
York notary supplies is that you are not required to use a seal. You can if you decide to, but then you have to be sure that the seal sufficiently identifies that you are a notary public with authority over a certain jurisdiction.For that matter, your New York notary supplies don’t actually have to include a stamp either. Again, you can use one if you like, but the stamp must make it clear that you’re a notary who is licensed to practice. If you use a stamp, it is also considered smart to use ink that will show up if the document is photographed. There is no ink you are legally required to stamp with, but blue or black is generally most popular.
Really, all your New York notary supplies are legally required to do is convey certain information on the document you’re notarizing. The Department of State mandates that the inscription shows your name as it appears on your application and license. Be sure these two are the same because someday you may be called upon to back up your own seal or stamp. Doing so will require you to show your ID and any discrepancy between the two will cause problems.
What Will It Look Like When You Use Your New York Notary Seal?
Now, once you use your New York notary supplies, you have to sign beneath your stamp or seal.
Your signature has to be in black ink (though, again, your stamp can use either). Then you have to write out, “Notary Public State of New York” and the name of the county where you qualified for your commission. The expiration
date has to be printed and, if required, your official character numbers. The state also recommends you include an Oath Certificate.If you decide to include a stamp or seal in your New York notary supplies, you won’t be hard up for options. The seal is round with the words, “Notary Public” in the middle. Your name goes across the top and “State of New York” is across the bottom. There are two versions, one with a perforated perimeter and one with a braid.
There is only one real stamp to pick from for your New York notary supplies. Though, again, you can always just sign. The stamp is rectangular and has the seal on the far left. At the top is your name, then below it, “Notary Public – State of New York.” On the next line is where your commission number goes, right before the county you were qualified in.
Some people decide to have their expiration date included on their various New York notary supplies. While this isn’t a bad idea, it does mean that you’ll have to replace them when you reach that date. Otherwise, the stamp or seal wouldn’t carry much validity.
The Importance of the Position
How you offer your services is up to you. Just because you have New York notary supplies doesn’t mean you have to use them for anyone. You’re actually ordered to only do so if you can confirm their identity and are certain they are signing voluntarily and while in control of all of their faculties.
Being a notary is a big responsibility, so make sure you understand all of the above before undertaking the oath and using your supplies in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
What New York notary supplies are actually required for a notarization?
In New York, the key requirement is that your notarization clearly identifies you as a notary public and includes the information required by the Department of State. A seal or stamp is allowed, but not always required. Your completed notarization should still include your signature, your official title, and the county where you qualified.
Do I have to use a New York notary public seal or stamp?
No, a New York notary public seal or stamp is not strictly required. You may use one if you choose, but it must clearly show that you are a notary public authorized in New York. Many notaries use a seal or stamp to make documents easier to read and more professional.
What information must my New York notary seal or stamp include?
Your New York notary seal or stamp should show your name exactly as it appears on your application and license. If you use a stamp, it should also clearly identify you as a notary public in New York and include the county where you qualified. Some notaries also include their commission expiration date or official character numbers if required.
What ink color should I use for my New York notary signature and stamp?
Your signature should be in black ink. For the stamp or seal, the article notes that blue or black ink is most common, and the ink should be clear enough to show up if the document is photographed or copied. Using dark, readable ink helps avoid rejected documents and confusion.
Where should I place my signature, county, and expiration date on a notarized document?
After applying your seal or stamp, sign beneath it. Then write “Notary Public State of New York” and the county where you qualified for your commission. Your expiration date should also be printed on the notarization if applicable. Keeping everything in the correct order helps ensure the document is valid and easy to verify.
When should I refuse to use my New York notary supplies?
You should only notarize when you can confirm the signer’s identity, make sure they are signing voluntarily, and determine they are acting with full understanding of what they are signing. If any of those conditions are not met, you should refuse the notarization. This protects both the signer and your notary commission.
