In many states, notaries are commissioned and regulated through the Secretary of State. In Wisconsin, though, it is through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions that notaries are approved and commissioned. To become one, you must meet the state's eligibility criteria, submit the proper application, swear an oath of office, and pass the notary exam. There is the need to prove you have obtained a surety bond as well. You will also have to pay the application fee, and when these steps are completed, you will receive a commission. You will also then be able to order your personalized Wisconsin Notary Public stamp and seal.
What Are the Regulations Around Your Wisconsin State Seal?
As a commissioned notary, your Wisconsin Notary Public stamp and seal is going to have to meet the guidelines set out by the state.
These include the following:
- It is the notary's responsibility to acquire and maintain the Wisconsin Notary Public stamp and seal
- They may elect to have an embossed Wisconsin Notary Public stamp and seal or a rubber stamp
- The Wisconsin Notary Public stamp and seal can be any size or shape
- The text on the Wisconsin Notary Public stamp and seal must indicate the following phrases: "Notary Public", "State of Wisconsin", and the legal last name of the notary as they were commissioned
- The expiration date of the current commission (they last four years) is acceptable but not mandatory
With your commission and the Wisconsin Notary Public stamp and seal, you can begin to perform the sworn duties of the notary. The state uses the "at large" jurisdiction, meaning that you can use the Wisconsin Notary Public stamp and seal anywhere in the state.
What Sort of Duties Does a Wisconsin State Notary Public Perform?
You will have passed your exam to become a notary, but you must remember that notarial acts are limited to:
- Taking acknowledgements
- Administering an oath
- Administering an affirmation
- Taking a verification upon oath or affirmation
- Witnessing a signature
- Certifying a true copy
- Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument
On all of these documents you must apply your official Wisconsin Notary Public stamp and seal. Also, if there is the need for any further notarial wording, it is up to you to know what wording is required. And you must also remember that at no time should you attest anything with handwritten wording - this is illegal.
Your jurat is part of the work you do, and if one is not included in the original documentation provided by someone in need of notary services, you should be able to draft one that is in line with the document.
The state has an exam because the work of a notary is so much more than signing something and using the Wisconsin Notary Public stamp and seal. Because of that, you want to be sure you are as well trained as possible before you begin working in your official capacity.
You also want to invest in a quality seal as it is a reflection of your professionalism. It is supposed to print sharply and clearly and be easy to read and reproduce photographically. This may not be the case if you purchase a low quality device that allows wording to smudge or blur the more it is used. Shop around to find a provider, like Acorn Sales, with experience in making the devices. They will be able to ensure your seal meets state standards and performs well over the long term, or throughout each term you are active as a notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Wisconsin notary use either an embossed seal or a rubber stamp?
Yes. Wisconsin allows notaries to use either an embossed seal or a rubber stamp, as long as the seal meets state requirements and produces a clear, readable impression. For most everyday notarial work, a crisp rubber stamp is often the easiest option for document reproduction and legibility.
Is a Wisconsin Notary Public seal required for every notarization?
The notary is responsible for applying the official Wisconsin Notary Public stamp and seal on notarial documents when required. Since the seal is part of the official notarization process, using it correctly is essential for acknowledgements, jurats, oaths, affirmations, signature witnessing, certified copies, and protests.
Can a Wisconsin notary use handwritten wording instead of a seal or stamp?
No. Handwritten wording in place of the official notary stamp or seal is not allowed. If additional notarial wording is needed and the document does not already include it, the notary should use proper, state-compliant language and follow Wisconsin notarial rules.
Where can a Wisconsin notary perform notarizations?
Wisconsin notaries have “at large” jurisdiction, which means they can perform notarial acts anywhere within the state of Wisconsin. As long as the notary is properly commissioned and using a compliant Wisconsin Notary Public seal, they may notarize documents anywhere in the state.
How long is a Wisconsin notary commission valid, and does the seal need to show the expiration date?
A Wisconsin notary commission lasts four years. The expiration date may be included on the Wisconsin Notary Public seal, but it is not mandatory. Even if it is not printed on the seal, the notary must always ensure their commission is active before performing any notarial act.
