The National Notary Bulletin

Hotline Tip: Should I Use An Embosser Or A Seal?

By NNA Staff on May 3, 2012

In the Commonwealth of Kentucky do you need to emboss a document or can you just use the wet stamp containing your information? – P.K., Danville, KY

Since the state of Kentucky does not specifically require a Notary Public to use a seal of office, either one would be acceptable. When using an embosser, you must make sure that the image can be clearly photocopied. Many Notaries prefer to use an inked stamp over an embosser, but you may also choose to use both an embosser and a Notary seal, to further guard against document rejection.

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 (888) 876-0827, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST

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2 Comments

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Darren Shaver

26 Aug 2017

In the state of Oklahoma it's required that you use either a stamp or a seal in notarial acts, so my question is this: Could I use both at one time in notarizing. Since the Embosser is hard to see in a photocopying. Let me know if you would, and thanks...- Darren.

National Notary Association

05 Sep 2017

Hello. We forwarded your question to our Hotline team. Here was their response: "The law does allow for a Notary to have a metal seal or a rubber inking stamp. Many times documents do not allow adequate room to place both impressions in the notarial certificate. The most widely recognized is the rubber inking stamp. It may be best to proceed with using the rubber inking stamp when completing the notarization."

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