Notary Stamp and Seal Requirements by State (2026): All 50 States
Every state requires notaries to use some form of official stamp or seal when performing notarizations. The type of seal, what information it must contain, and whether you need a rubber ink stamp, an embosser, or both varies by state. Using the wrong seal — or failing to include required information — can invalidate a notarization. This guide covers stamp and seal requirements for all 50 states in 2026.
Notary Stamp and Seal Requirements by State (2026)
| State | Stamp Type | Shape | Required Information | Embosser Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” state, county, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Alaska | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public, State of Alaska,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Arizona | Ink stamp | Rectangular or circular | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Arizona,” county, commission expiration | No (ink stamp required) |
| Arkansas | Ink stamp | Circular | Name, “Notary Public,” state, county, commission number, expiration | Yes (optional) |
| California | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” county, state, commission number, expiration, state seal | No (ink stamp only since 2017) |
| Colorado | Ink stamp | Rectangular or circular | Name, “Notary Public, State of Colorado,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Connecticut | Ink stamp or embosser | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “Connecticut,” commission expiration | Yes |
| Delaware | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” state, county, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Florida | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public — State of Florida,” commission number, expiration, bonding agency | No (ink stamp required) |
| Georgia | Ink stamp or embosser | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “Georgia,” commission expiration | Yes |
| Hawaii | Ink stamp | Circular | Name, “Notary Public, State of Hawaii,” commission expiration, judicial circuit | Yes (optional) |
| Idaho | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Idaho,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Illinois | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Illinois,” county, commission expiration, date commissioned | Yes (optional) |
| Indiana | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Indiana,” county, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Iowa | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Iowa,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Kansas | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Kansas,” county, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Kentucky | Ink stamp or embosser | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “Kentucky,” county, commission number, expiration | Yes |
| Louisiana | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” parish, state, commission number (if applicable) | Yes |
| Maine | Ink stamp or embosser | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Maine,” commission expiration | Yes |
| Maryland | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Maryland,” county, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Massachusetts | Ink stamp or embosser | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” commission expiration | Yes |
| Michigan | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Michigan,” county, commission expiration, acting in county of | Yes (optional) |
| Minnesota | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” “Minnesota,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Mississippi | Ink stamp or embosser | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” county, state, commission expiration | Yes |
| Missouri | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Missouri,” county, commission expiration, commission number | Yes (optional) |
| Montana | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public for the State of Montana,” commission expiration | No (ink stamp required) |
| Nebraska | Ink stamp | Circular | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Nebraska,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Nevada | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Nevada,” county, commission expiration, ID number | Yes (optional) |
| New Hampshire | Ink stamp or embosser | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “New Hampshire,” commission expiration | Yes |
| New Jersey | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public of New Jersey,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| New Mexico | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of New Mexico,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| New York | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public, State of New York,” county, registration number, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| North Carolina | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” county, state, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| North Dakota | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of North Dakota,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Ohio | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Ohio,” county, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Oklahoma | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Oklahoma,” county, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Oregon | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public — Oregon,” commission number, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Pennsylvania | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” county, “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Rhode Island | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Rhode Island,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| South Carolina | Ink stamp or embosser | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of South Carolina,” county, commission expiration | Yes |
| South Dakota | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “South Dakota,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Tennessee | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Tennessee,” county, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Texas | Ink stamp | Circular or rectangular | Name, “Notary Public, State of Texas,” commission expiration, commission ID number | Yes (optional) |
| Utah | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Utah,” commission number, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Vermont | Ink stamp or embosser | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Vermont,” commission expiration | Yes |
| Virginia | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” “Commonwealth of Virginia,” registration number, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Washington | Ink stamp | Rectangular | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Washington,” commission expiration, commission number | Yes (optional) |
| West Virginia | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of West Virginia,” county, commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Wisconsin | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Wisconsin,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
| Wyoming | Ink stamp | Either | Name, “Notary Public,” “State of Wyoming,” commission expiration | Yes (optional) |
Requirements based on state notary statutes as of 2026. Verify current requirements with your state’s Secretary of State or commissioning authority before ordering your stamp.
Ink Stamp vs Embosser: What Is the Difference?
Ink stamps (also called rubber stamps) press ink onto the document, creating a visible impression. They are the standard in most states because they photocopy and scan clearly — critical for documents that will be recorded, filed, or transmitted electronically.
Embossers (also called embossing seals or crimp seals) create a raised impression on the paper without ink. They provide tamper resistance because the raised impression is nearly impossible to photocopy or digitally alter. However, they do not reproduce well on photocopies or scans.
Which States Require Ink Stamps Only?
Arizona, California, Florida, and Montana require ink stamps and do not accept embossers as the sole seal. California banned embosser-only seals in 2017 because of photocopying and scanning issues.
Which States Allow Either?
Most states accept either ink stamps or embossers. Many notaries use both — an ink stamp as the primary seal (required for readability) and an embosser as a secondary anti-fraud measure.
What Information Must Appear on Your Stamp?
While specific requirements vary, nearly every state requires these elements:
| Element | Required In |
|---|---|
| Notary’s full legal name | All 50 states |
| ”Notary Public” | All 50 states |
| State name | All 50 states |
| Commission expiration date | All 50 states |
| County of commission | ~30 states |
| Commission or registration number | ~20 states |
| Bonding agency (Florida only) | Florida |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a name that does not match your commission. Your stamp must show the exact name on your notary commission — no nicknames, abbreviations, or maiden names unless that is what appears on the commission.
- Using an expired stamp. When you renew your commission, you must order a new stamp with the updated expiration date.
- Missing required fields. Omitting your county, commission number, or other required elements can invalidate notarizations.
- Stamp too small to read. Make sure all text is legible. A clear impression is essential for documents that will be recorded or filed.
Where to Order a Notary Stamp
Notary stamps can be ordered from several sources:
- National Notary Association (NNA) — The largest notary organization offers stamps for all 50 states with guaranteed compliance
- Notary.net — Online retailer with fast turnaround
- Amazon — Various vendors, but verify the stamp meets your state’s specific requirements
- Local office supply stores — Staples, Office Depot, and similar stores often have notary stamp services
- Your state’s approved vendors — Some states maintain a list of approved stamp vendors
Expect to pay $15 to $40 for a standard ink stamp and $25 to $50 for an embosser. Stamps typically arrive within 3 to 7 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an embosser instead of an ink stamp?
In most states, yes. However, Arizona, California, Florida, and Montana require an ink stamp and do not accept embossers as the primary seal. Many notaries in other states use both — an ink stamp for everyday use and an embosser for added security.
What happens if my notary stamp is lost or stolen?
Report the loss or theft to your state’s commissioning authority immediately. Most states require you to notify the Secretary of State and, in some cases, law enforcement. Order a replacement stamp as soon as possible and do not perform any notarizations until you have a valid stamp.
Do I need a new stamp when I renew my commission?
Yes. Your stamp includes your commission expiration date. When you renew and receive a new commission with updated dates, you must order a new stamp reflecting the new expiration. Using a stamp with an old expiration date is a violation in every state.
Can I notarize without a stamp?
No. All 50 states require notaries to affix their official seal or stamp to every notarization. A notarization performed without a stamp is invalid and may not be accepted for recording or filing.
What size should my notary stamp be?
Most states specify minimum dimensions. A standard rectangular stamp is typically 1” x 2.5” and a circular stamp is about 1.5” to 2” in diameter. Check your state’s specific size requirements, as using a stamp that is too small can make the impression illegible.
Ready to start your notary career? Learn about notary fees by state, journal requirements, or search for notaries in your area on FindNotary.io.