My current stamp has a blank spot for the commission, so I do not have to get a new stamp every time my commission needs to be renewed. Can I do that? — P.S., Maryland
You must obtain a new official stamp for each commission. According to ACM St. Gov’t 18-218(a](2), on resignation from, or the revocation or expiration of, the Notary’s commission, or on the expiration of the date set forth in the Notary’s stamping device, if it contains one, the Notary must disable the stamping device by destroying, defacing, damaging, erasing, or securing it against use in a manner that renders it unusable.
For more information, please see our pages “How to Renew as a Notary” and “Everything You Need to Know About Your Notary Seal Stamp or Seal Embosser”.
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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