What’s the difference between ink stamp and embosser Notary seals?

Updated 9-9-24. Almost every state requires Notaries to use an official seal when notarizing physical documents. Traditional seals typically come in two formats — ink stamps and embossers. Here’s the difference between ink stamps and embossers and each state’s requirements for the seal you may use.

A hand holding an ink stamp, with the stamped impression visible on a document

Notary ink stamps

Ink stamps are the most commonly used type of Notary seal. These rubber Notary stamps leave an inked imprint with Notary information, such as the Notary’s name, commissioning state or date of commission expiration.

The shape, size, and information of the official seal imprint depend on the laws of the Notary’s commissioning state.

Notary embossers

Embossers are metal clamping devices. Instead of leaving an ink imprint, a Notary embosser “crimps” a document, creating a raised physical impression displaying Notary information on the paper.

Two side by side images of embossed seal impressions, one just embossed, and one inked and embossed

While visible to the naked eye, the impression made by an embosser won’t be visible on a photocopy unless ink or another method like colored foil is added. Many states that allow Notaries to use an embosser also require making the embossed impression photographically reproducible.

As with ink stamps, the shape, size and information needed for an embosser depends on the laws in the Notary’s commissioning state.

What about electronic Notary seals?

Notarizing electronic documents may require an official electronic seal, which uses technology very different from traditional physical ink stamps and embossers. To find out more about electronic Notary seals and the forms they can take, please read “Understanding Notary technology: eSeals, eSignatures and digital certificates.”

Which type of Notary seal can I use?

Each state has rules for what type of official seal Notaries must use. Some require ink stamps, some allow using either an embosser or an ink stamp, and a few even make use of an official seal optional.

Below, we’ve provided a chart listing traditional Notary seal requirements for each state and the District of Columbia.

Traditional Notary seal requirements for U.S. states and D.C.

Ink stamp only states

States allowing ink stamp or embosser

States requiring ink stamp, additional embosser optional

No ink stamp or embosser requirement

Discover the Notary seal requirements for your state

Alabama

Ink stamp or embosser

(COA 36-20-72)

Alaska

Ink stamp or embosser

Embosser must be photographically reproducible. (AS 44.50.065[a])

Arizona

Ink stamp required. Additional embosser optional.

(ARS 41-266.2; ARS 41-267.C)

Arkansas

Ink stamp or embosser

Embosser must be photographically reproducible. Notary must use blue or black ink for either type of seal. (ACA 21-14-107[b][1])

California

Ink stamp required. Additional embosser optional.

Notaries may use embosser seal in addition to ink stamp. All seals must be photographically reproducible. (GC 8207)

Colorado

Ink Stamp only

(CRS 24-21-517[1][b])

Connecticut

No ink stamp or embosser requirement

Delaware

Ink stamp or embosser

Official stamp must be photocopiable. (29 DC 4316[13]; 29 DC 4330[2])

District of Columbia

Ink stamp or embosser

Official seal must be photocopiable using permanent ink. (CDC 1-1231.1[11]; 17 DCMR 2404.6)

Florida

Ink stamp required. Additional embosser optional.

Black, photographically reproducible ink required for an ink stamp. (FS 117.05[3][a]; FS 117.05[3][a])

Georgia

Ink stamp or embosser

(OCGA 45-17-6[a][1])

Hawaii

Ink Stamp only

(HRS 456-3)

Idaho

Ink Stamp only

(IC 51-117[1])

Illinois

Ink Stamp only

(5 ILCS 312/3-101[a])

Indiana

Ink stamp or embosser

Notary’s name on official seal must be photocopiable. (IC 33-42-05-1[13])

Iowa

Ink Stamp only

(IC 9B.17.1.b)

Kansas

Ink stamp or embosser

Official stamp must be photocopiable. (KSA 53-5a18[a])

Kentucky

No ink stamp or embosser requirement

If Notary chooses to use a stamp, it must be photocopiable. (KRS 423.370; KRS 423.370[2])

Louisiana

No ink stamp or embosser requirement

(LAC 46:XLVI.131.A; see Flemming v. Richardson & Smith, 13 La. Ann. 414 [1858])

Maine

No ink stamp or embosser requirement

Ink stamp or embosser optional for physical documents. (4 MRSA 1916.2)

Maryland

Ink stamp or embosser

Official stamp must be photocopiable. (ACM St. Gov’t 18-215[b][1]; ACM St. Gov’t 18-217[a][2])

Massachusetts

Ink stamp or embosser

Ink stamp must use black ink. (GL 222, Sec. 8[b]; GL 222, Sec. 8[b])

Michigan

No ink stamp or embosser requirement

(MCL 55.287[2])

Minnesota

Ink Stamp only

(MS 358.67)

Mississippi

Ink Stamp only

(MCA 25-34-33[1][b]; 1 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, R. 050.3.20[B])

Missouri

Ink stamp required. Additional embosser optional.

Black ink required for ink stamp. (RSMo 486.730.1; RSMo 486.730.3; Missouri Notary Handbook)

Montana

Ink Stamp only

Stamp must use blue or black ink. (MCA 1-5-616[2][b]; ARM 44.15.107[1][b])

Nebraska

Ink Stamp only

(RSN 64-210)

Nevada

Ink Stamp only

Must use “rubber or mechanical stamp” (ink stamp) that uses photographically reproducible ink. (NRS 240.040.1[a])

New Hampshire

Ink stamp or embosser

Official stamp must be photocopiable. (RSA 455:3.II; RSA 456-B:8-a.I(b))

New Jersey

Ink stamp or embosser

Official stamp must be photocopiable. (NJSA 52:7-10.5.a)

New Mexico

Ink stamp or embosser

Official stamp must be photocopiable. (NMSA 14-14A-16.B; NAC 12.9.3.14.C[2])

New York

No ink stamp or embosser requirement

(Notary Public License Law publication)

North Carolina

Ink stamp or embosser

(GS 10B-3[23])

North Dakota

Ink Stamp only

(NDCC 44-06.1-01.12; NDCC 44-061-01.8)

Ohio

Ink stamp or embosser

(ORC 147.04)

Oklahoma

Ink stamp or embosser

(49 OS 5.A; OAC 655:25-5-2[b])

Oregon

Ink Stamp only

Black or dark blue ink recommended. (ORS 194.290[2])

Pennsylvania

Ink stamp required. Additional embosser optional.

(57 Pa.C.S. 317[1]; 4 Pa. Code 167.23[a])

Rhode Island

Ink stamp or embosser

Embosser must be photocopiable or able to scan. (State Notary Public Manual)

South Carolina

Ink stamp or embosser

(SCC 26-1-5[18])

South Dakota

Ink stamp or embosser

(SDCL 18-1-3.1)

Tennessee

Ink Stamp only

Ink must be any photocopiable color except black or yellow. (TCA 8-16- 114[a])

Texas

Ink stamp or embosser

Seal must be photographically reproducible. (GC 406.013[c])

Utah

Ink stamp required. Additional embosser optional.

Photographically reproducible ink required for ink stamp. (UCA 46-1-16[3][b]; UCA 46-1-16[4])

Vermont

No ink stamp or embosser requirement

If the Notary chooses to use a stamp or embosser, it must be photocopiable. (26 VSA 5370)

Virginia

Ink stamp or embosser

Seal image must be photographically reproducible. (COV 47.1-16[C])

Washington

Ink stamp or embosser

Seal or stamp must be photocopiable. (RCW 42.45.010[16]; RCW 42.45.150[3])

West Virginia

Ink stamp required. Additional embosser optional.

Photocopiable ink required for ink stamp. (WVC 39-4-17[2]; Secretary of State’s website)

Wisconsin

Ink stamp or embosser

Official stamp must be photocopiable. Attorney-Notaries are not required to use a seal. (WS 140.02[3][a]; WS 140.17[2]; “Instructions for Wisconsin Attorneys’ Permanent Notary Public Application”)

Wyoming

Ink Stamp only

Must use blue or black photocopiable ink. (WS 32-3-116[a][ii][E])

David Thun is the Editorial Manager at the National Notary Association.

Would you like more information about Notary ink stamps and embossers and how to purchase one? Please visit “Everything You Need to Know About Your Notary Seal Stamp or Seal Embosser.”

31 Comments

Add your comment

Mila Gonzalzles

04 Oct 2024

I have a POA document from 1997 with an emboss stamp that is slightly flattened by time and does not show clearly on scans. What can be done to make the stamp more noticeable? I am having issues because of this.

National Notary Association

11 Oct 2024

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.

Nick

24 Sep 2024

Since when did Alabama become an ink stamp only

25 Sep 2024

Hello. Alabama is listed as an "ink stamp or embosser state" in the map and drop-down menu.

Marianne Shiff

23 Sep 2024

I'm in Micigan. I only use the embossed if the document is being sent to another state.

Val in Florida

While the state of Florida only requires a rubber stamp, Is it in appropriate to use BOTH the rubber stamp AND the embosser ?

“An impression-type seal may be used in addition to the rubber stamp seal, but the rubber stamp seal shall be the official seal for use on a paper document, and the impression-type seal may not be substituted therefor” (FS 117.05[3][a]).

Nancy Hubble

I have been a Notary Public in Maryland for over 50 years. I now hear that a new seal is required at every renewal. That is a waste of money. Why would it be important to buy a new seal?

Steven Mercedes

14 Sep 2024

I understand in New York that no ink stamp or embosser are required, however, is it ok to use both when notarizing documents?

Yes, you can use both when completing a notarization.

Srikanth Maringanti

08 Aug 2024

Hi... Based on the map, looks like we do not need Embosser at all... No state mandates it. Are there any case/situation, where we 'have' to emboss?

There is no state that mandates the use of an embosser, so there is not situation where it “must” be used.

Melody

22 May 2024

To darken the raised part of an impression you can use an impression inker stamp, as it will ink only the raised parts of the impression. A quick Google search for "impression inker" will show you lots of places to order them from.

LOZANO.JESS@YMAIL.COM

21 Nov 2023

I ordered an embosser, it took 4 days to process and then ship out, yet, it does not contain my commission number nor my commission expiration date. IT contains Just my name. Why does it only have that basic information, while I submitted my commission certificate ? I even got it before my stamp inker and my journal, which are not personalized, yet my order says it's complete. Please advise as I am very upset that my embosser only contains my name. That should be information placed in the description so we can make an informed decision on whether to purchase from you or somewhere else.

05 Dec 2023

Hello. We are sorry you are having issues with an embosser you ordered. If you can please contact our Customer Care team at services@nationalnotary.org and provide your order details and information, one of our representatives should be able to answer your questions and help resolve your issue.

jongoodwin@hotmail.com

29 Oct 2023

In Tennessee, where I am commissioned, ink stamps are stated to be the preferred form of notary seal, however, a notarization is not rendered invalid by the use of an embosser. Therefore, both are valid and acceptable. But one, for good reason, is preferred.

02 Nov 2023

Hello. In Tennessee, an ink stamp is required. “The seal of office may be imprinted by a rubber or other type stamp. Such stamp shall imprint the seal of office in any color other than black or yellow, provided the color used to imprint the seal shall be clearly legible and appear as black when photocopied on a non-color copier” (TCA 8-16- 114[a]). Prior to May 12, 2003, and enactment of Chapter 106 (2003 Tennessee Public Acts), an embosser also was allowed as an official Notary seal. “Nothing in this subsection (a) shall be construed to require a notary public to procure such a rubber or other stamp or to use a particular color ink with the stamp prior to the expiration of the notary’s term of office, and all impression notary seals shall be valid for use until the end of the notary’s term of office. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or provision of this subsection (a) to the contrary, the use of an embossed notary seal after May 12, 2003, shall not render such an acknowledgment defective. No person shall incur any civil or criminal liability for failure to imprint the seal of office in a color required by this subsection (a) nor shall any document or title imprinted with a seal of the wrong color be invalid because of such failure” (TCA 8-16-114[a]).

pelamou@aol.com

07 Oct 2023

Must be able to follow the state law all the time.

Sheryl D. Armstrong

26 Sep 2023

Good day: "Everything you need to know about your notary seal stamp or sealed embosser" All information is explained thoroughly and outlined in every category. In the state of New Jersey the requirements pertain to the below guidelines of an ink stamp or embosser. Official stamp must be able to be photocopied. (NJSA 52:7-10.5.a) Always, consult your particular state for the appropriate procedures. Have a great day.

Ray Neal

22 Sep 2023

Ive been a notary for a long time in Arkansas, i know my embosser does not have my notary number or expiration date that my stamp does. people like that. better, i carry my embosser cause i a can write it in but still no one wants it, with that being said. my pastor 1 time wanted the embosser, for a mission trip on some legal papers, simply because the country he was going to could read English but would rub their hand over thee notarized embossed area.

marieracine11@gmail.com

20 Sep 2023

I like to use ink stamp.

Cheri Davison

18 Sep 2023

When I attach a Loose certificate due to missing, additional or lack of notarial wording on the document presented, I use Both my stamp and embosser to show the document and the certificate go together.

Andrea P

I only use my embosser on the “pretty” copy of the marriage certificate after performing a wedding 😀

Alice Ward

I am a newly sworn in notary and this information is very helpful as I’m preparing to purchase my notary stamp.

Oludotun Akinde

What does NO INK STAMP OR EMBOSSER REQUIREMENT means. kindly explain. Thanks

Hello. It means that state does not require use of an ink stamp or embosser notary seal when performing notarizations.

Tiffany Boney

Notary in NJ. Are there documents that require use of an embosser over an ink stamp?

Hello. In New Jersey, Notaries have the option of using either an ink stamp or an embosser.

T. W.

Is it ever necessary to use both a stamp and an embosser when notarizing? My commission is in Massachusetts.

Hello. In Massachusetts, Notaries have the choice of using either an ink stamp or embosser when performing notarizations.

Patricia M. Corsello

…State of New York states no seal or ink stamp required. But the Document presented has a written requirement for such use. Confusing. And the Documents are drawn up in NY,

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