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Notary Bulletin

May A Notary Use A Signature Stamp To Sign Certificate Wording?

By NNA Staff on October 5, 2017

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I am just wondering if a Notary can use a signature stamp or do they have to handwrite their signature for each transaction? — C.H., California

California law does not allow you to use a signature stamp. Every time you complete a notarial certificate, you must sign it in your own hand (GC 8205[a][2] through [4]).

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

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5 Comments

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Leonard Simmons

11 Oct 2017

Thank you for the information

Rosita

27 Oct 2017

Can I use an address stamp in my journal if I'm notarizing at them same place all the time (e.g. work) or do they have to be handwritten for each transaction?

National Notary Association

27 Oct 2017

Hello Rosita. To help us answer your question can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Leslie Keeney

30 Oct 2017

I'd be interested in the answer to Rosita's as it applies to CA notaries.

National Notary Association

31 Oct 2017

Hello Leslie. California does not specify that journal entries to be handwritten, but the entry must include the following information: Date, time and type of each official act; Character (type or title) of every document sworn to, affirmed, acknowledged or proved before the Notary; Signature of each person whose signature is notarized, including the signature of any subscribing witness and the mark of a signer; Statement regarding the type of satisfactory evidence3 relied on to identify the signer; Fee charged for the notarial act or, if no fee was charged, “No Fee” or “0”; If document is a power of attorney, deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust or other document affecting real property, the right thumbprint (or any other available print) of the signer. (GC 8206[a])

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