Is it legal to notarize a rubber stamp signature of an affiant? — E.C., Florida

Florida statute (F.S. 117.05(14) requires Notaries to make reasonable accommodations to provide notarial services to individuals with disabilities. That said, this section of Florida law does not explicitly mention use of a signature stamp as a “reasonable accommodation.” Instead, it outlines procedures for notarizing a signature by mark or signature made by the Notary on behalf of the individual with a physical disability who cannot sign or make a mark. In the absence of any other specific law allowing using of signature stamps by affiants, the NNA recommends using one of these reasonable accommodations instead.

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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