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The National Notary Bulletin

Can I Notarize For A Signer Who Wants To Use A Signature Stamp?

By NNA Staff

NNA Hotline Tip Logo

My boss would like to use a signature stamp for signing lien waivers for our customers. Can I notarize a signature stamp if I witness him doing the actual stamping? — I.W., Colorado

No, notarizing a signature made with a stamp is not allowed in Colorado. In order for you to notarize a paper document, the document must include an original written signature.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

UPDATE 6-19-18: We have corrected our response to a question about notarizing signature stamps in New York in the comments section below. – The Editors

View All: Hotline Tips

85 Comments

Add your comment

sharon Puhlmann

18 Oct 2022

Per the secretary state of texas, we are allowed to notarize a person using a finger print or a stamped signature. Please update your Q&A's.

Gretchen

06 Jun 2022

Can you notarize a signature stamp in South Dakota? Thank you

National Notary Association

09 Jun 2022

Hello. South Dakota Notary law does not specifically address notarizing a stamped signature. However, state law does include the following regarding a signature by mark for a person unable to write: “‘Signature or subscription’ includes mark, if the person cannot write, the person’s name being written near such mark, and written by a person who writes the person’s own name as a witness” (SDCL 2-14-2[25]).

Dawn

31 Mar 2022

Can you notarize a signature stamp in Wisconsin?

National Notary Association

02 Jun 2022

There is no law in Wisconsin that addresses signature by mark or stamp.

Grace K Soto

25 Mar 2021

Has the Florida Law changed for this since your answer in 2015? I was asked to notarize a rubber stamped document this morning and decline based on your advise from 2015.

National Notary Association

06 Apr 2021

Hello. No, we are not aware of any changes to Florida law that would permit a signer to use a signature stamp.

jHo

20 Nov 2020

how about Iowa? =) thank you!

National Notary Association

20 Nov 2020

Hello. Iowa does not address this issue in its Notary laws. However, Iowa does permit a signature by proxy for a signer who is physically unable to sign a record: “If an individual is physically unable to sign a record, the individual may direct an individual other than the notarial officer to sign the individual’s name on the record. The notarial officer shall insert ‘Signature affixed by (name of other individual) at the direction of (name of individual)’ or words of similar import” (IC 9B.9).

Jean Totman

18 Sep 2020

Can a notorize a stamped signature in NY

National Notary Association

22 Sep 2020

Hello. Yes, New York General Construction Law 46 defines a signature to include a stamped signature.

Jaylgard1035@gmail.com

06 Mar 2020

Can a rubber stamp signature be notarized in New York

National Notary Association

12 Mar 2020

Hello. Yes, New York General Construction Law 46 defines a signature to include a stamped signature.

svetlana krass

12 Nov 2019

can a dea form 251 for CSOS certificate be signed using rubber stamp signature in NYS

National Notary Association

12 Nov 2019

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Shelby

31 Oct 2019

How about for the state of Kansas?

Shelby

31 Oct 2019

Hello. No, Kansas Notary law does not provide guidelines for notarizing a stamped signature.

cdela

01 Aug 2018

in MA?

National Notary Association

02 Aug 2018

Hello. Massachusetts Notary law does not provide guidelines for notarizing a stamped signature. However, a signer who is unable to write his or her name may instead affix a mark in the presence of the Notary and 2 witnesses unaffected by the document (GL 222 Sec. 15[f]) and a signer who is physically unable to sign or make a mark may direct a Notary to sign on his or her behalf in the presence of 2 witnesses unaffected by the document, as long as in the Notary's judgment the signer is acting of his or her own free will and does not present a demeanor that would cause the Notary to doubt the signer understands what he or she is doing (GL 222 Sec. 15[g]).

Kourtney

12 Jun 2018

How about Arizona?

National Notary Association

12 Jun 2018

Hello. We were unable to locate any reference in Arizona Notary law addressing whether or not a signer may use a signature stamp for a notarization. State law and the state Reference Manual include the following regarding a signature by mark if the signer is unable to write his or her name: “‘Signature’ or ‘subscription’ includes a mark, if a person cannot write, with the person’s name written near it and witnessed by a person who writes the person’s own name as witness” (ARS 1-215[36]). “A notary can notarize a thumb print or an ‘X’ mark as a ‘signature’ or ‘subscription.’ These include any kind of mark where a person cannot write ...” (RM).

Sally Stamm

31 May 2018

Can we notarize a signature stamp in KY if the signature is verified?

National Notary Association

31 May 2018

Hello. We are not aware of guidelines in Kentucky's Notary law regarding notarizing a stamped signature. You may wish to contact the Secretary of State's Notary Division at 1-502-564-3490 for assistance.

Daniel A. Schwartzman

11 Apr 2018

In the above comments section, you say, on 23 May 2017, in reply to a question, "Hello. New York does not authorize its Notaries to notarize a stamped signature." NY General Construction Law Section 46 defines a signature to include a stamp signature (affixed with the intent as a signature by the individual affixing the stamp). (Makes sense, just as much as an X. Many people may have arthritis or difficulty signing or using a pen, etc.) I am an attorney and a notary public in NYS. And I’ve notarized stamped signatures. I am unaware of any statutory or other prohibition in “notarizing” a stamped signature made a person using his/her stamp. What is the basis (in NYS statutes or common law) for your advice or opinion (which I believe is incorrect)? Thanks in advance.

National Notary Association

19 Jun 2018

Hello. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will update the response to the comment above.

Jody Whitlock

05 Apr 2018

Can I notarize a signature stamp in Ohio

National Notary Association

06 Apr 2018

Hello. No, Ohio does not authorize Notaries to notarize a stamped signature. However, a person who cannot write their name may make a mark such as an 'X' and have the mark notarized in the presence of two witnesses.

kyong

22 Nov 2017

What about Alabama?

National Notary Association

27 Nov 2017

Hello. Alabama does not authorize Notaries to notarize a stamped signature. However, for written conveyances of land, if a signer is unable to sign their name, the signer may use a signature by mark in the presence of one witness or, where the party cannot write, by two witnesses who are able to write and who must write their names as witnesses; or, if he can write his name but does not do so and his name is written for him by another, then the execution must be attested by two witnesses who can and do write their names (COA 35-4-20).

Editt Cruz

13 Oct 2017

What about North Carolina? Can a notary notarized a stamped signature from a person that is disabled?

National Notary Association

13 Oct 2017

Hello. No, North Carolina does not authorize Notaries to notarize a stamped signature. However, in the event a signer is physically unable to sign, the state permits a signature by proxy using the following procedure: “1. The principal directs the designee to sign the record in the presence of the notary and two witnesses unaffected by the record; 2. The designee signs the principal’s name in the presence of the principal, the notary, and the two witnesses; 3. Both witnesses sign their own names to the record near the principal’s signature; 4. The notary writes below the principal’s signature: ‘Signature affixed by the designee in the presence of (names and addresses of principal and witnesses)’; and 5. The notary notarizes the signature through an acknowledgment, oath or affirmation, jurat, or verification or proof” (GS 10B-20[e]).

WANDA FAYE TOLBERT

09 Oct 2017

Wow, sorry you have taken some strong comments from some of the notaries. This is just a suggestion....maybe you can summarize the answers for each state in a Word or EXCEL document and provide each person with a link to that document. This way they will have the specifics for the state in which they practice and you would have answered the question once and for all. I am a new notary so I appreciate you being there and all of the responses you provide.

Nani O

14 Aug 2017

Hi. How about in Nevada?

National Notary Association

16 Aug 2017

Yes, if the person has a physical disability that prevents them from writing. Under NRS Chapter 426, a person who is unable to write a signature due to a physical disability may use a signature stamp to affix a signature “any time that a signature is required by law.”

Alicia R

13 Jul 2017

Can I notarize a stamped signature in Michigan?

National Notary Association

18 Jul 2017

Hello. Michigan does not authorize notarization of a stamped signature. However, the state does permit notarization of a signature by mark. Also, a notary public may sign the name of a disabled person whose physical characteristics limit ability to sign or make a mark on a record presented for notarization if the following conditions are met: “(a) The notary public is orally, verbally, physically, or through electronic or mechanical means provided by the person and directed by that person to sign that person’s name. “(b) The person is in the physical presence of the notary public. “(c) The notary public inscribes beneath the signature: ‘Signature affixed pursuant to section 33 of the Michigan notary public act’” (MCL 55.293).

Kindel

13 Jun 2017

Can you in Oklahoma? Thank you!

National Notary Association

13 Jun 2017

Hello. No, Oklahoma does not authorize notarization of a stamped signature.

wendy

22 May 2017

Can you do this in NY?

National Notary Association

23 May 2017

UPDATED 6-19-18. Yes, New York General Construction Law 46 defines a signature to include a stamped signature.

Matt

20 May 2017

Can notaries signed for stamped signatures in Nebraska?

National Notary Association

22 May 2017

No. The Nebraska Official Notary Public Handbook says that a principal signer may not sign using a rubber stamp.

GUS

02 May 2017

Hey. I am wondering about New Jersey. Can we sign for stamped signatures?

National Notary Association

04 May 2017

Hello. No, NJ does not authorize you to notarize a stamped signature.

Lisa Perusse

27 Apr 2017

Can a notary notarize a stamped signature in Georgia?

National Notary Association

28 Apr 2017

Hello. No, Georgia does not authorize Notaries to notarize a stamped signature.

Sami

01 Feb 2017

Can the signer use a signature stamp in the state of Utah?

National Notary Association

01 Feb 2017

Hello. No, Utah does not authorize its Notaries to notarize a stamped signature.

Pam

24 Jan 2017

Can the signer use a signature stamp in the state of Mississippi

National Notary Association

25 Jan 2017

Hello. MS law does not authorize notarization of a signature made with a stamp.

Rachel

23 Jan 2017

Hello. Can I notarize an Indiana document signed via signature stamp?

National Notary Association

23 Jan 2017

Hello. Yes, page 36 of the state Notary Public Guide says that a signer may use a signature stamp on a document they want notarized. You can read the Guide here: http://www.in.gov/sos/business/files/Notary_Guide.pdf

Joe

31 Oct 2016

Can Texas notarize signature stamp?

National Notary Association

02 Nov 2016

Hello. Texas Notary law does not authorize notarization of signature stamps.

Fran

25 Aug 2016

Can Illinois notarized a signature stamp

National Notary Association

25 Aug 2016

Hello. No, you may not.

CAROLE DESANTIS

16 Aug 2016

Does this apply to Maryland and D.C.?

National Notary Association

17 Aug 2016

Hello. No, Maryland and DC do not permit notarization of signature stamps.

Sunny Kalpesh Patel

12 Aug 2016

Does this apply in pa?

National Notary Association

12 Aug 2016

No, notarizing a signature made with a stamp is not allowed in PA.

Rev J

23 Jan 2016

You could have easily answered the question NNA by saying: California - no, Colorado - no, just do a simple yes and no list.

Anita

10 Jan 2016

Hello, this from Alabama!! How simple would it be to just list 50 state... Stamped signature... Yes or no!!! Just saying... 50 sustainer line answers versus all these questions.. For one subject??? Just saying...

National Notary Association

13 Jan 2016

Hello Anita. As we've mentioned before, each state's laws can vary widely on a particular subject. In many cases, trying to list each and every answer for all 50 states for each Hotline question would soon make the question unreadable due to the amount of space requied. That's why we always list the answer for the state the original questioner was writing from, and are happy to answer any specific questions about other states in the Comments section.

Ray Rentas

06 Jan 2016

How about SC???? Can I notarize a signature stamp?????

National Notary Association

06 Jan 2016

Hello. No, South Carolina does not authorize this.

Christine K.

04 Jan 2016

Notaries notarize original signatures, not stamped or copies of signatures!

Tammy Jernigan

04 Jan 2016

Does this law apply to Washington State?

National Notary Association

06 Jan 2016

Hello. Washington State does not authorize Notaries or signers to use signature stamps for a notarization. However, persons who are mentally competent but unable to sign their name or make a mark may orally direct a Washington State Notary (or other authorized notarial officer) to sign for them (RCW 42.44.080[2] and 64.08.100). The Notary must determine that the person is unable to sign or make a mark and is otherwise capable, based on personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence.

harold@answerguy.org

01 Jan 2016

Not wishing to sound contentious, but if a signer for an acknowledgement brings a document that is already signed with a signature stamp and states: "This is my signature on this document.", and the signer has proper ID that matches the name of the stamp, and satisfies all the requirements, who are we to argue that it isn't a legal signature? I am in California. Does California law actually state that the signature stamp is not allowed, and if, as you say, a notary with physical disabilities can bet authorization to use a signature stamp, cannot a signer do the same? Best regards, Harold

National Notary Association

06 Jan 2016

Hello Harold. While Florida specifically allows Notaries with physical abilities to apply to use a signature stamp for notarizations, California law does not authorize Notaries or signers to use a signature stamp for notarizations. However, California does permit a signer who is unable to write his or her name to acknowledge their signature by making a mark in the presence of two witnesses. (California Civil Code section 14.)

pat.ikac@sbcglobal.net

30 Dec 2015

As useful as this information is, it would be more efficient if you could state, e.g. "A notary cannot notarize a signature stamp in any state except ......" Thank you.

Laura Hirlinger

30 Dec 2015

Can I notarize a signature stamp in Missouri?

National Notary Association

30 Dec 2015

No, Missouri Notary law does not permit this.

EDGAR OSORIO

28 Dec 2015

Would this rule apply to California as well?

National Notary Association

30 Dec 2015

Hello. California Notary law does not permit a signer to have a stamped signature notarized.

Deborah P. Berry

28 Dec 2015

Why was this required to read a news bulletin when I am already a paid member??

National Notary Association

30 Dec 2015

Hello Deborah. We're sorry, we're not clear from your message what issue you are encountering. If you're having a problem reading a Bulletin article, please email us at social@nationalnotary.org with a description of the issue you're encountering and what kind of device you're using and we'll be happy to assist you with resolving the issue.

Erika Araujo

28 Dec 2015

Can I notarized a signature stamp in California?

National Notary Association

30 Dec 2015

Hello. California Notary law does not permit a signer to have a stamped signature notarized.

Kurt Gross

28 Dec 2015

I don't care whether a signature stamp is allowed in CO. I'm in TN. How about reporting on all states or none at all? Or send this article to CO Notary Publics? If you're going to serve us, your customers, serve us. Don't waste our time with info that is irrlevant to us. Thanks for the opportunity to give feedback. I'm not fussing, but if you want feedback that helps you serve us better, there you have it. Happy New Year, Kurt Gross

National Notary Association

30 Dec 2015

Hello Kurt, thank you for your feedback. As you yourself said, every state's Notary laws are different, which is why our Hotline Tips always provide the answer for the specific state the Notary asking the question is commissioned in. Including information for all 50 states in the answer each week would make it extremely difficult for any Notary to find the answers they are looking for. However, if a Notary has a state-specific question about a Hotline answer, we're always willing to answer it in the comments section, or you can contact our Hotline team directly at hotline@nationalnotary.org. Regarding your question, TN Notary law does not permit signers to have a signature stamp notarized on a document. I hope this information is helpful and you have a good New Year's holiday.

Sheila Cunha

28 Dec 2015

My boss likes to do the same thing with permit applications and releases here in Florida, Is it permissible in Florida? I mean it is maddening that we can cash checks using a signature stamp, but have to have original signatures on a construction permit application.

National Notary Association

30 Dec 2015

Hello. No, notarizing a signer's stamped signature is not permitted under Florida Notary law. However, a Notary with a physical disability that limits ability to sign may apply to the Secretary of State for permission to use a signature stamp for signing notarial certificates. (FS 117.107[2])

John Axt

28 Dec 2015

Can a rubber stamp be used in Florida?

National Notary Association

30 Dec 2015

Hello. No, notarizing a signer's stamped signature is not permitted under Florida Notary law. However, a Notary with a physical disability that limits ability to sign may apply to the Secretary of State for permission to use a signature stamp for signing notarial certificates. (FS 117.107[2])

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