If you have become a notary, then you will need a stamp or seal. The stamp will use ink and will place an image right on the paper. The seal will be embossed into the paper itself. Before you can order your official notary stamp or notary seal, you need to know which one is required for your business.
In truth, there is not one of these two options that’s better than the other. It all comes down to state laws. Each state has different requirements. So, when you get ready to order, make sure you know which one you need. Some states will give you an option. Some do not. So, let’s go over a state by state list so that you can determine what you will need to start practicing as a notary.
The Various Requirements in Each State
These can be subject to change depending on the laws for each state, so the most up to date information can be found by checking your secretary of state's website.- Alabama – You can use an ink stamp or an embossing notary seal.
- Alaska – You can use an ink stamp or an embossing notary seal. Impression must be reproducible with a photograph.
- Arizona – You must use a round or rectangular ink stamp. Red ink is not allowed.
- Arkansas – You can use an ink stamp or a notary seal as long as impression is reproducible in a photograph. Black or blue ink is required for the stamp.
- California – You can use an ink stamp or a notary seal, but the stamp must have black ink.
- Colorado – You can only use a rectangular ink stamp.
- Connecticut – Neither is required.
- Delaware – A notary stamp or embossing seal can be used but the stamp must have black ink.
- District of Columbia – You can only use an embossing seal that has been inked over so it is photographically reproducible.
- Florida – A round or rectangle stamp can be used but the stamp must have black ink.
- Georgia – Either an embossing seal or ink stamp can be used.
- Hawaii – You must use a round or rectangular ink stamp.
- Idaho – You can use a round or rectangular notary stamp.
- Illinois – You can use a round notary stamp with black ink.
- Indiana – You may use either an ink stamp or an embossing seal.
- Iowa – You can use either an ink stamp or an embossing seal.
- Kansas – Notaries may choose between an ink stamp and a notary seal.
- Kentucky – Neither is required.
- Louisiana – A notary signature is considered the seal.
- Maine – Neither is required.
- Maryland – You may choose between an ink stamp and a seal.
- Massachusetts – A notary can use a stamp or a seal, but the stamp must have black ink.
- Michigan – Neither is required.
- Minnesota – You may only use an ink stamp.
- Mississippi – A notary stamp is required.
- Missouri – You may use either a notary stamp or a seal, but the stamp must have black ink.
- Montana – You may only use a rectangular ink stamp with blue or black ink.
- Nebraska – You must use an ink stamp.
- Nevada – You must use a rectangular ink stamp.
- New Hampshire – You may use either a stamp or a seal.
- New Jersey – Neither is required.
- New Mexico – You must use an ink stamp.
- New York – Neither is required.
- North Carolina – Notaries may use either a stamp or a seal.
- North Dakota – You must use an ink stamp.
- Ohio – Either a stamp or a seal may be used.
- Oklahoma – A notary stamp or seal can be used.
- Oregon – You may only use a ink stamp with black ink.
- Pennsylvania – You must use an ink stamp.
- Rhode Island – Neither is required.
- South Carolina – Either a notary stamp or an embossing seal can be used.
- South Dakota – Either a stamp or an embossing seal may be used.
- Tennessee – A round ink stamp with anything but black or yellow ink may be used.
- Texas – Either an ink stamp or a notary seal may be used.
- Utah – A stamp with purple ink must be used.
- Vermont –You must use an ink stamp.
- Virginia – Either an ink stamp or embossing seal may be used.
- Washington – You must use an ink stamp.
- West Virginia – Only an ink stamp can be used.
- Wisconsin – A notary may use a stamp or a seal.
- Wyoming – You may only use a rectangular ink stamp with blue or black ink.
As you can see, each state has its own rules, so you need to know what is required in your own.
If you happen to live in a state that allows you to choose, you will want to compare your options. An ink stamp may be a little more frustrating because the ink could smudge. However, the seal will need to be reproducible if the paperwork is copied and that could sometimes be a problem with an embossed seal.
So, consider the positives and negatives of both before making a decision.
What Does Acorn Offer to Help Meet the Needs of Your State's Requirements?
Here at Acorn Sales, we will provide you with everything you need for your notary duty, and we don’t stop with just the stamping and embossing equipment. With us, you can purchase:
- A notary public seal package that will come with the embosser, stamps, and even seals to use on the paperwork
- A selection of notary public stamps if that is what you need
- A selection of embossers you can use for notary public seals
- Even name placards to let people know that you can perform the duty of a notary
We ensure you will have everything you need to get started right away. And, since we offer 24-48 hour turnaround time, you won’t even have to wait that long before you can start performing your trade. Everything you need from stamps and seals to fingerprint pads and binders is available right here with Acorn Sales. We have been in business since 1964 and we know what you will require, so we provide the supplies to you.
If you choose from our kits, you can choose basic, deluxe, and supreme. That will give you a selection of different supplies based on your budget and how you would like to start. We even offer replacement notary seal inserts so that you won’t have to slow down in the years to come. If you have decided to become a notary, then keep in mind you will need supplies. Just make sure you check with our website to purchase everything you will require so that you can start notarizing documents in just a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a notary stamp and a notary seal?
A notary stamp is typically an inked impression placed directly on the document, while a notary seal is usually an embossed impression pressed into the paper. Some states allow either option, while others require one specific format.
How do I know whether my state requires a notary stamp or notary seal?
The best way to confirm your state’s requirement is to check your Secretary of State’s website. State rules vary widely, and some states require an ink stamp, some allow an embossing seal, and others do not require a seal at all.
Which states require a notary ink stamp instead of an embossing seal?
Several states require an ink stamp only, including Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Some states also require specific ink colors or stamp shapes.
Can I choose between a notary stamp and a notary seal in my state?
Yes, in some states you can choose either a stamp or a seal. States such as Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin allow more than one option, but the exact requirements still depend on state law.
What ink color is required for a notary stamp in some states?
Ink color requirements vary by state. Many states require black ink, while others allow blue ink or have special rules such as Utah requiring purple ink. Always confirm your state’s ink-color rules before ordering your stamp.
Is an embossed notary seal always acceptable on copied or scanned documents?
Not always. Some states require the seal impression to be photographically reproducible, which can be an issue with traditional embossing alone. If your state has that rule, you may need to use ink over the embosser or choose a notary stamp instead.
