The Rules Surrounding Illinois Notaries Public
Almost everyone will have need of a notary public at least once in their life. Notaries provide an important service to the citizens of their states – and notaries public who live in Illinois are no exception to this.
If you’re a brand new notary in Illinois or you’re preparing to become one, the last thing you might be thinking about is your Illinois notary public stamp and seal. This is something you’re going to have to figure out eventually – you can’t exactly notarize documents without the proper tools. Here’s what you need to know about the
rules of the state when it comes to what type of stamp and seal you’re permitted to use – and what kind of information a stamp needs to convey.In Illinois, notaries are required to use a rubber stamp as their seal of office.
This means that you can’t use an embossed seal as your Illinois notary public stamp and seal as you can in some other states.
The Dimensions of Your Illinois State Notary Public Stamp
The stamp itself must be rectangular in shape and cannot exceed one inch wide and two and a half inches long in dimensions. The border of your rubber stamp must bear either a milled or serrated edge, and your Illinois notary public stamp and seal must contain the following information:
- The words “State of Illinois”
- The words “Notary Public”
- Your official name
- The words “Official Seal”
- Your commission expiration date, preceded by the words “My Commission Expires”
Additionally, you may not use the image of the state seal on your Illinois notary public stamp and seal. When notarizing documents, you must use black ink only.
More questions about the rules regarding Illinois notary public rules and regulations? Want to find out how to become a notary for the state of Illinois yourself? Visit the Notary Services Index on the Illinois Secretary of State’s official website.
Since the state of Illinois needs to ensure that all of its notaries comply with its regulations concerning their seals of office, it’s important that you get your own Illinois notary public stamp and seal from a trusted source. You don’t want to invest time and money in a company that’s going to end up producing a flawed or incorrect rubber stamp.
Turn to Acorn Sales Company Incorporated instead. Not only do we have a full line of traditional rubber stamps, pre-inked slim stamps and self-inking rectangular stamps, we have the knowledge needed to ensure that your Illinois notary public stamp and seal is perfect the first time. You can be confident that any stamp from Acorn Sales will be just what you need as a notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Illinois notary public seal requirements?
In Illinois, your notary seal must be a rectangular rubber stamp, not an embossed seal. It must include “State of Illinois,” “Notary Public,” your official name, “Official Seal,” and your commission expiration date preceded by “My Commission Expires.” It must also meet the state size and edge requirements.
How large should an Illinois notary public stamp be?
An Illinois notary public stamp cannot exceed 1 inch wide by 2.5 inches long. The stamp must also have either a milled or serrated edge to comply with Illinois notary seal requirements.
Can Illinois notaries use an embossed seal instead of a rubber stamp?
No. Illinois requires notaries to use a rubber stamp as their official seal of office. An embossed seal is not allowed for notarizations in Illinois.
What color ink should an Illinois notary public stamp use?
Illinois requires black ink only when notarizing documents. Using any other color may cause the notarization to be rejected or considered noncompliant.
Can the Illinois state seal image be used on a notary stamp?
No. Illinois notaries may not use an image of the state seal on their notary public stamp and seal. The stamp must only include the required notary information prescribed by state law.
How do I evaluate buying an Illinois notary public seal?
Look for a trusted vendor that makes Illinois-compliant notary stamps with the correct shape, size, edge style, required wording, and black ink compatibility. Buying from a knowledgeable supplier helps ensure your seal is correct the first time and avoids compliance issues.
