Requirements for the Use of Your California State Notary Public Seal
Becoming a notary public gives you the versatility to provide an essential service to businesses and individuals alike. The ability to have a document notarized is something that almost everyone at one point in their life is going to need – notaries are never going to go out of style. However, some states, like California, have rigid standards that must be met for any notary public that wishes to put their seal of approval on a document. Here’s what you need to know about what your California notary public stamp and seal should look like.
In California, a notary public is required to use a rubber stamp as their official seal of office.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t use an embossing seal as well; while it can’t be used in lieu of a rubber stamp, it can be affixed in addition to it. However, you can’t use an embossing seal by itself, as California state law prohibits this.
Requirements for the Design and Layout of Your California State Notary Public Seal
There are some very strict requirements for California notary public stamps and seals in that the impression left behind by the seal must be clear enough to be reproducible via photograph. While notaries in California can choose between either a circular seal or a rectangular one, round seals cannot exceed two inches in diameter. Rectangular ones cannot exceed 2.5 inches in length and 1 inch in width; additionally, a rectangular seal must have either a milled or serrated edge border. All stamps must be made in black ink. Information that must be included within the seal itself is as follows:
- The words “notary public”
- The name of the notary as it appears on their commission
- The county of origin regarding the notary’s bond and oath of office
- The notary’s commission number
- The expiration date of their commission
- The seal manufacturer’s identification number
- The State Seal of California
There are several other conditions and regulations that need to be met or abided by if you wish to be able to use your California notary public stamp or seal. For a more comprehensive list of this information, visit the appropriate section of the California Secretary of State’s website.
Much as it is in other states, notaries in California are responsible for providing their own stamps and seals. However, with the strict guidelines for California notary public stamps and seals, you need someone you can trust to provide you the right equipment.
Where to Get Your Notary Supplies
This is where Acorn Sales Company Incorporated comes in. We have a full line of stamps and seals to choose from that will satisfy the state of California’s requirements for notary public stamps and seals, ensuring that you’ll have the right equipment for the job each and every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the California notary public stamp and seal requirements?
California notaries must use an official rubber stamp seal that meets state law. The stamp must be clear, reproducible by photograph, and include all required information such as the notary’s name, commission number, county, commission expiration date, and the State Seal of California.
Can I use an embossing seal instead of a California notary stamp?
No. In California, an embossing seal cannot be used by itself as the official notary seal. You may use an embossing seal in addition to your rubber stamp, but the rubber stamp is required for the notarization to comply with state law.
How large should a California notary seal be?
California allows either a round or rectangular notary seal. A round seal cannot exceed 2 inches in diameter. A rectangular seal cannot exceed 2.5 inches in length and 1 inch in width, and it must have a milled or serrated edge border.
Which details must appear on a California notary stamp??
A California notary stamp must include the words “notary public,” the notary’s name exactly as it appears on the commission, the county of origin for the bond and oath, the commission number, the commission expiration date, the seal manufacturer’s identification number, and the State Seal of California.
What color ink is required for a California notary public seal?
California requires notary stamps to be in black ink. The impression must be clear and legible so it can be reproduced by photocopy or other image-based methods.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when ordering a California notary stamp?
Common mistakes include using the wrong seal size, leaving out required information, ordering a stamp that is not black ink, or choosing a design that does not meet California layout rules. To avoid delays, make sure your stamp matches the exact state requirements before you start notarizing documents.
