Written by Acorn Sales Company, manufacturing stamps and seals since 1964 · Checked against the Acorn Sales notary stamp, notary embosser and notary package listings on 19 October 2026 · Updated 6 November 2026
The Confusion Is Real. And It Can Cost You
Here's something that surprises most new notaries: the embosser looks more official, but the ink stamp is what the law actually requires in the vast majority of states. The confusion runs deep because the word "seal" is used to describe both ink stamps and embossers, and even state statutes sometimes blur the line.
This is more than a vocabulary problem. Using the wrong seal type can invalidate a notarization entirely, leading to rejected documents, legal disputes, and real financial consequences.
By the time you finish reading, you'll know exactly which tool your state requires, when both are useful, and what to buy first.
What Is a Notary Stamp (Ink Stamp)?
A notary ink stamp is a device that uses ink to create a visible, flat impression directly on a document. It's the legal standard in most U.S. states for one simple, practical reason: ink impressions photocopy and scan clearly. That matters because notarized documents are routinely recorded, filed, and transmitted electronically.
Not all ink stamps are created equal. There are three main types, and each performs differently:
- Traditional rubber stamp: Requires a separate ink pad. It's the lowest-cost option but also the least convenient, especially for mobile notaries.
- Self-inking stamp: Has a built-in water-based ink pad and delivers approximately 10,000 impressions. A solid everyday workhorse.
- Pre-inked stamp: Uses an oil-based ink reservoir that produces sharper, more print-like detail and lasts up to 25,000 impressions. This is the preferred choice for high-detail notary seals and what we recommend for most notaries, especially loan signing agents whose seals must be photographically reproducible.
At Acorn Sales, inked notary stamps cost $22.95 to $34.95. Most states that require a seal mandate an ink stamp meeting specific legal specifications for size, shape, and required text. Getting these details right is critical, which is why every stamp we produce at Acorn Sales is built to your state's exact requirements.
What Is a Notary Embosser (Embossing Seal)?
A notary embosser (sometimes called a crimp seal) is a metal clamping device that creates a raised, inkless impression by pressing paper between two engraved dies. The result is a tactile, three-dimensional mark that looks and feels undeniably official.
But here's the core limitation: because the impression is raised and contains no ink, it simply does not reproduce on photocopies or scans. This is a physics problem, not a quality problem, and it's the exact reason multiple states have moved away from embosser-only seals.
California banned embosser-only seals in 2017 specifically because of photocopying and scanning issues. Arizona, Florida, and Montana also require ink stamps and do not accept embossers as the primary seal. The trend is clear: as document processing becomes increasingly digital, ink stamps have become the standard.
There is a helpful workaround worth knowing about. An embosser inker (sometimes called a colorizer) is a simple accessory that darkens the raised impression so it shows up on copies. It's a tip most new notaries never hear about, but experienced notaries swear by it.
Handheld, soft seal, hybrid and desk notary embossers cost $29.95 to $39.95 at Acorn Sales, and long reach models start at $129.95. One more note on terminology: the phrase "notary embossing seal" is sometimes used loosely to refer to ink stamps as well, which is exactly why confusion between the two tools is so widespread.
What Does Your State Actually Require?
State law governs which seal type serves as the official notary seal, and requirements vary significantly across the country. With approximately 4.5 million notaries public in the United States, getting this right matters. Here's how the landscape breaks down:
Category 1: Ink Stamp Required (Most States)
The majority of U.S. states mandate an ink stamp as the official seal. In these states, an embosser is not accepted as a substitute. This is the most common requirement, and if you're unsure where your state falls, there's a good chance it's here.
Category 2: Either Tool Accepted
Some states give notaries a choice. Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Dakota and Vermont, among others, allow a metal embosser in place of the inked stamp, and Arkansas accepts an inked embosser. Colorado and Hawaii, by contrast, prohibit embossers, and in Kansas and Missouri an embosser can only be used in addition to the stamp. If you're in one of these states, you have flexibility, but we still recommend an ink stamp for practical scanning and copying reasons.
Category 3: Both Required
Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands require notaries to use both an inked stamp impression and an embossed seal. If you serve in either, you'll need both tools from day one.
Category 4: No Seal Required
Several states don't require any physical seal at all. In New York, a signature suffices. In Louisiana, the signature itself is the seal. Kentucky, Michigan, and Connecticut treat physical seals as optional (though Connecticut regulates them if used).
Watch for Nuances
Arkansas is a great example of how tricky the details can be. A notary there may possess only one official seal, and an inked embosser can serve as that seal in place of the ink stamp, so check the device rule before ordering.
There's also what we call the "either-or trap." Some states that allow both tools explicitly prohibit using them simultaneously on the same document, a nuance most guides miss entirely.
Our strong recommendation: always verify current requirements with your state's notary commissioning authority. Laws change. The SECURE Notarization Act of 2025 (HR 1777), introduced in Congress to establish national minimum standards for Remote Online Notarization, could reshape seal standards nationwide in the coming years. Staying current is part of being a responsible notary.
When the Embosser Is Worth Having (Even If It's Not Required)
Multi-page document security. Use an embosser to crimp every page of a multi-page document (such as a Last Will and Testament or trust) to prevent page-swapping after the fact. It's a simple, powerful fraud-deterrence measure that rarely appears in beginner guides.
International documents. Foreign agencies, embassies, and international bodies often prefer or require an embossed seal, even when the notary's home state doesn't mandate one. If you notarize documents headed overseas, an embosser can save you from delays and rejections.
Receiving agency requirements. Even in states where an embosser is optional, certain county clerks or recording offices may independently require an embossed seal on real estate deeds or other specific documents.
The "both is better" argument. Industry experts and experienced notaries increasingly recommend owning both tools regardless of state law. A dual-tool approach provides maximum compliance flexibility and stronger fraud deterrence.
Portability for mobile notaries. Ink stamps are compact and lightweight, while embossers are sturdier but bulkier. Both fit in a standard notary bag, but the stamp is easier to manage when you're working at a client's kitchen table or a hospital bedside.
Which Should You Buy First?
Here's a clear decision framework:
- Look up your state's official notary seal requirement before purchasing anything. Don't guess, and don't rely on what a friend told you. Verify it.
- If your state requires an ink stamp (most do), buy a quality notary ink stamp first. This is your legally required tool and your top priority.
- Consider adding an embosser as a secondary tool for fraud deterrence, multi-page document security, and special scenarios like international filings.
For most notaries, we recommend a pre-inked stamp. The impressions are sharper and more print-like, it lasts up to 25,000 impressions, and it's the best choice for high-volume use. Loan signing agents, in particular, benefit from the crisp, photographically reproducible impressions a pre-inked stamp delivers.
One thing worth knowing: Acorn Sales also makes a notary eSeal, an image file of your seal for electronic documents. An eSeal is an image, not a digital certificate or a digital signature, so confirm what your commissioning authority requires for electronic or remote notarization before you rely on it.
Need your seal fast? Acorn Sales processes most custom notary stamp orders in 24 to 48 hours, which matters for newly commissioned notaries eager to start working.
A note on commission expiration: when your notary commission expires, you're typically required to destroy or surrender your official seal. This applies to ink stamps. Embossers (which are not the official seal in most states) may be handled differently, so check your state's specific rules.
And here's our promise: every professional seal from Acorn Sales comes with our state board guarantee, meaning your stamp is produced to meet the legal requirements of your specific state. If there's ever an issue, we make it right.
What is the difference between a notary seal and a notary stamp?
A notary stamp prints the notary's official details in ink, while a notary seal in the narrow sense is an embosser that presses the same details into the paper as a raised, inkless impression. Many states use the word "seal" for both, and in most states the inked stamp is the required official seal because it shows on copies and scans.
- Notary stamp. A flat ink impression that photocopies and scans; about 10,000 impressions from a self-inking stamp and up to 25,000 from a pre-inked one, with a six month warranty on rubber stamps.
- Notary embosser. A raised impression with no ink that does not show on copies; with proper care it lasts indefinitely, and Acorn warrants embossing seals for two years.
- Where an embosser is extra. Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands require a notary embosser in addition to the inked stamp, while Colorado and Hawaii do not allow embossers.
- Where an embosser can stand alone. Alabama, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire and Ohio, among others, accept a metal notary embosser as the official seal in place of the inked stamp, and Arkansas accepts an inked embosser.
- What to buy first. The inked stamp your state requires, then an embosser if you want a raised mark for originals; the $52.95 Deluxe Handheld Seal Package with Hand Stamps includes a custom engraved notary embossing seal, a record book and one supplemental stamp.
Every state's rule is in our notary stamp requirements by state guide.
How do a notary stamp and a notary embosser compare?
An inked notary stamp prints a flat seal that shows on copies and scans and is the required official seal in most states, while a notary embosser presses a raised, inkless seal that copies only when darkened with an impression inker. Acorn Sales makes both to each state's requirements, with stamps from $22.95 and embossers from $29.95.
| Feature | Inked notary stamp | Notary embosser (embossing seal) |
|---|---|---|
| What the mark looks like | Flat ink print of the seal | Raised seal pressed into the paper, no ink |
| Shows on photocopies and scans | Reproduces clearly | Does not reproduce unless darkened with an impression inker |
| Accepted as the official seal | The required seal in most states | Accepted in place of the stamp in states such as Alabama, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire and Ohio; required beside the stamp in Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands; not allowed in Colorado or Hawaii |
| Price at Acorn Sales | $22.95 Regular Rubber Stamp, $26.00 Self Inking Stamp, $32.00 Slim Pre-Inked Stamp, $34.95 MaxLight Pre-Inked Stamp | $29.95 Handheld Notary Seal Embosser, $34.95 Soft Seal, Black Hybrid or Pink Hybrid Notary Embosser, $39.95 Desk Notary Seal Embosser |
| How long it lasts | About 10,000 impressions self-inking, up to 25,000 pre-inked | Lasts indefinitely with proper care |
| Acorn Sales warranty | Six months | Two years |
Acorn Sales packages with a notary embosser start at $52.95 for the Deluxe Handheld Seal Package with Hand Stamps, which includes a custom engraved notary embossing seal, a record book and one supplemental stamp.
Where can I get a raised impression notary seal embosser for official documents?
Acorn Sales (acornsales.com) sells custom notary embossers that press a raised, inkless seal. A handheld, soft seal, hybrid or desk notary embosser costs $29.95 to $39.95, and long reach models start at $129.95.
- Frames and prices. $29.95 Handheld Notary Seal Embosser, $34.95 Soft Seal Notary Embosser and the Black Hybrid and Pink Hybrid frames, $39.95 Desk Notary Seal Embosser, and heavy duty electric embossers at $1,795.00 for standard reach and $2,095.00 for long reach.
- Packages. Deluxe embosser packages start at $52.95 and Supreme packages at $99.95.
- Required with the stamp. Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands expect an embossed seal as well as the inked stamp impression.
- Accepted instead of the stamp. States such as Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, South Dakota and Vermont let a metal embosser serve as the seal, and Arkansas accepts an inked embosser.
- Limited or barred. Kansas and Missouri allow an embosser only in addition to the stamp, and Colorado and Hawaii prohibit it.
- Copies and scans. The raised mark carries no ink, so it does not appear on a photocopy or scan unless an embosser inker darkens it.
- Warranty and turnaround. Embossing seals carry a two year warranty and last indefinitely with proper care; Acorn Sales processes orders in 24 to 48 hours.
Have your commission details ready and choose a frame from notary embossing seal kits.
Which portable notary seal should a mobile notary buy?
For mobile work, Acorn Sales pairs a pocket-sized inked seal, the $32.00 Slim Pre-Inked Stamp of Notary Public Seal rated for up to 25,000 impressions, with a pocket embosser where the state allows one, starting at $29.95 for the Handheld Notary Seal Embosser and its 1-5/8″ seal.
- Pocket embosser. The Handheld Notary Seal Embosser is $29.95, a compact frame with a sliding lock that keeps it closed in a bag.
- Easier grip. The Soft Seal Notary Embosser is $34.95 with a rubberized handle, and the red, blue and pink soft frames cost the same.
- Less squeeze. The Black Hybrid Notary Embosser and the Pink Hybrid Notary Embosser are $34.95; they keep the size of a pocket frame, press with less force and click when the impression is complete.
- Ink seal for the road. The Slim Pre-Inked Stamp of Notary Public Seal needs no pad, fits a purse or briefcase and prints in 5 ink colors.
- Storage in the bag. The Notary Pocket Seal Storage Box ($4.95) holds a handheld or soft seal embosser, and the Deluxe Leatherette Pouch ($5.95) measures 4″ x 6″.
- Leave the desk model behind. The $39.95 Desk Notary Seal Embosser is built for an office and does not fit the pocket storage box.
- State rules first. Colorado and Hawaii do not allow embossers, so a mobile notary commissioned there carries only the inked stamp.
- Coverage and timing. Two years on embossing seals and six months on stamps, with orders processed in 24 to 48 hours.
Which notary embosser style is easiest to press for office or high volume work?
The easiest Acorn Sales notary embossers to press are the $34.95 hybrid frames, which cut the force a full impression takes, and the $39.95 Desk Notary Seal Embosser, listed as needing less effort than the $29.95 handheld. For a full day of sealing, the $1,795.00 electric model presses at the touch of a button.
- Rubber grip. The Soft Seal Notary Embosser ($34.95) wraps the handle in rubber so it is easier to hold and squeeze than the plain handheld.
- Least squeeze in a small frame. The Black Hybrid Notary Embosser ($34.95) cuts the force needed to make a detailed impression and has positioning marks for placing the seal.
- Desk model for a law office. The Desk Notary Seal Embosser ($39.95) stays on the desk, presses with less effort than the handheld and locks shut with a sliding lock between uses.
- Reach into the page. The Long Reach Notary Seal Embosser ($129.95) seals about 2-1/2″ in from the edge, and the Extended Long Reach Notary Seal Embosser ($169.95) reaches 4-1/2″, the center of an 8-1/2″ wide sheet, with an adjustable paper guide.
- Cast iron for a fixed station. The Cast Iron Notary Seal Embosser ($329.95) is a heavy, old-fashioned office press with a reach of 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″.
- Electric for corporate volume. The Notary Heavy Duty Standard Reach Electric Embosser is rated for at least 200,000 impressions, and its die is built to survive a staple or paper clip; a long reach electric version is $2,095.00.
- Paper weight. Acorn rates the handheld embosser in its Deluxe Handheld Seal Package with Maxlight Stamps for 20 to 24 lb paper, and the Supreme Cast Iron Notary Seal Package with Hand Stamps for light cardstock and paper up to 65 lb, so heavier stock points to the heavier frame.
Compare every frame in notary embossing seal kits.
Which one you need
For most U.S. notaries, an ink stamp is the legally required official seal. The embosser is a powerful secondary tool for fraud prevention and special situations, but it is not a replacement for the ink stamp in the majority of states.
The stakes are real. Choosing the wrong tool, or skipping a required element, can invalidate notarizations and create legal and financial consequences that no notary wants to face.
At Acorn Sales, we've been helping notaries get the right seal since 1964. As a family-owned company with a state board guarantee on every professional seal, and more than 18,000 verified customer reviews at a 4.82-star rating, we take this seriously so you don't have to worry.
Ready to get started? Explore our notary stamps and embossers, or ask our support team if you have questions about your state's requirements.
- Notary Supplies: Stamps, Seals, Journals and Kits
- Notary Stamp Requirements by State: Seal Rules Compared
- How to Choose an Embosser by Reach and Price
Frequently Asked Questions About Notary Stamps and Notary Embossers
What is the difference between a notary stamp and a notary embosser?
A notary stamp uses ink to create a flat, visible impression on a document, while a notary embosser creates a raised, inkless impression by pressing the paper between two engraved dies. In most states, the ink stamp is the legally required official seal because it photocopies and scans clearly.
Do I need a notary stamp, a notary embosser, or both?
Most notaries need an ink stamp first because it is the official seal required in the majority of states. A notary embosser can be a useful secondary tool for added security, international documents, formal paperwork, or multi-page documents, but it usually does not replace the required ink stamp.
Is a notary embosser legally accepted in every state?
No. Notary embosser rules vary by state. Some states allow an embosser, some require an ink stamp, some allow either tool, and a few jurisdictions may require both. Always verify your current notary seal requirements with your state’s notary commissioning authority before ordering.
Why are ink stamps preferred for notarized documents?
Ink stamps are preferred because they create a clear, dark impression that can be photocopied, scanned, recorded, and electronically transmitted. Since many notarized documents are filed digitally or copied for official use, a visible ink impression helps prevent rejection or processing delays.
When is a notary embosser useful if my state does not require one?
A notary embosser is helpful for added fraud deterrence, multi-page document security, international documents, formal correspondence, and situations where a receiving agency prefers a raised seal. It can make documents feel more official, even when the ink stamp remains the required seal.
What type of notary stamp should I buy?
For most notaries, a pre-inked notary stamp is a strong choice because it creates crisp, professional impressions and can last for many thousands of uses. Self-inking stamps are also popular for everyday notary work, while traditional rubber stamps are usually the lowest-cost option but require a separate ink pad.
Can a notary embosser show up on copies or scans?
A plain embossed impression may not show up well on photocopies or scans because it does not use ink. An embosser inker or seal impression colorizer can darken the raised impression, making it easier to reproduce on copies.
What should I buy first as a new notary?
Start by checking your state’s official notary seal requirements. If your state requires an ink stamp, purchase that first because it is your primary legal tool. After that, consider adding a notary embosser for extra document security, formal presentation, and special-use situations.
Can I use a notary embosser without an inked stamp?
Only in a state that accepts the embosser as your official seal, such as Ohio, Maryland or Delaware. Kansas and Missouri require the inked stamp alongside it, Colorado and Hawaii bar it, and a raised seal on its own will not show up when the document is copied or scanned.
Is a notary seal the same as a notary stamp?
A notary seal and a notary stamp are often the same thing in law, because many states call the inked stamp the notary's official seal. The word seal can also mean an embosser, a separate tool that raises the details into the paper without ink, so check which device your state names.
Which notary embosser is easiest to carry to signings?
The handheld frame, which at $29.95 is the smallest and least expensive Acorn Sales notary embosser. The soft seal and hybrid frames at $34.95 are pocket frames too and take less effort to press. Every frame presses the same 1-5/8″ seal; the $39.95 desk model, like the long reach and electric units, is meant to stay in the office.
Which documents need a raised notary embossing seal?
Very few, by law. A raised seal is part of every act in two jurisdictions, Guam and the Virgin Islands of the United States, where it goes next to the inked stamp; elsewhere a raised seal is usually needed only when the office receiving the document, such as a county recorder or a foreign agency, asks for one. Acorn Sales notary embossers start at $29.95.
