--- title: "What Is a Notary Stamp or Seal? Meaning, Stamp vs Embosser" description: "A notary stamp or seal is the ink stamp or embosser a notary places on the certificate, showing the notary's name and commission details. A worked example." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/glossary/notary-seal" --- Notary glossary # What is a notary seal or stamp? The stamp or embosser a notary places on a certificate that shows their name and commission details. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## In plain English Requirements for what must appear on it, and whether it is an ink stamp or embosser, are set by state law. It must be legible when copied. Building a notary business? [The loan signing agent course](/courses/loan-signing-agent). Keep it locked up. If it is lost or stolen, report it as your state requires. Press or stamp firmly in a clear spot, and check each impression is readable before the page is copied or scanned. ## Why it matters A smudged or partial seal impression is a frequent reason recorders and agencies send documents back. After a scan or fax, a faint stamp can become unreadable, and the signer may have to repeat the whole notarization. A seal in the wrong hands can be used to fake notarizations, which is why keeping it locked and reporting a loss matters. ## Worked example A notary stamps beside the certificate without covering any text, then checks the impression is clear. ## What to do - Stamp on a firm, flat surface in a clear area near the certificate. - Avoid covering signatures, dates or printed text. - Check every impression for legibility before the document leaves. - Store the seal securely when not in use. - Report a lost or stolen seal as your state requires and replace it. ## Common mistakes - Stamping over the signature can make both unreadable and lead to rejection. - Using a nearly dry ink pad produces faint impressions that disappear on copies. - Leaving the stamp where others can reach it risks misuse that could be traced back to the notary. ## Not the same as: Notarial certificate The seal identifies the notary through an impression, while the certificate is the written statement of the act that the seal accompanies. [See Notarial certificate](/notary/glossary/notarial-certificate). ## Go deeper - [Notary Stamp vs Seal: What's the Difference?](/notary/guides/notary-stamp-vs-seal-whats-the-difference): People say stamp and seal interchangeably, but the details differ. Learn the difference between ink stamps and embossers and what each state usually requires. - [Where to Place a Notary Stamp so It Stays Legible](/notary/guides/notary-stamp-placement-and-legibility): Practical tips on placing a notary stamp near the certificate, avoiding text and signatures, and fixing a smudged impression without ruining the document. - [Lost or Stolen Notary Stamp: Steps to Take Right Away](/notary/guides/lost-or-stolen-notary-stamp-what-to-do): If your notary stamp or journal disappears, act quickly. Here are the steps for reporting it, protecting signers, replacing the tools and preventing a repeat. ## Related terms - [Oath and affirmation](/notary/glossary/oath-and-affirmation): A spoken promise to tell the truth. An oath calls on a higher power; an affirmation does not. - [Power of attorney](/notary/glossary/power-of-attorney): A document that lets one person (the agent) act for another (the principal) on stated matters. - [Notary scam](/notary/glossary/notary-scam): A fake job or check scheme that targets notaries and signing agents. ## Common questions **What is a notary seal or stamp?** The stamp or embosser a notary places on a certificate that shows their name and commission details. **Can you give an example of notary seal or stamp?** A notary stamps beside the certificate without covering any text, then checks the impression is clear. **Is an embossed seal enough on its own?** Some states require an ink seal that copies clearly, and an embossing alone may not show up on scans. Check your state's rules and the receiving office's needs. **What should a notary do if the stamp impression is unclear?** State rules differ. Some allow a second impression nearby, and others require a fresh certificate. The notary should follow their state guidance. General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change; check with your state's commissioning office. Need help? [### Mobile notary Mobile signings in New Jersey, remote online notarization and apostille help. Notary services →](/notary/) [Full glossary](/notary/glossary) Do it yourself ### New Jersey Notary Starter Kit The paperwork a new notary has to build from scratch, ready to print or edit: a journal laid out for what New Jersey's manual says to record, checklists, forms and client emails. [See what's inside ($29)](/toolkits/nj-notary-starter-kit) [Free sample](/toolkits/nj-notary-starter-kit#free-starter)14-day full refund ## Need a document notarized? Book a notary. [Book a notary](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)