Legal Definitions - notary seal

A notary seal refers to the official mark a notary public applies to a document to certify its authenticity. It serves as a visual confirmation that the notary has properly identified the signers and witnessed their signatures, adding legal validity to the document. The term can also refer to the physical device (either a stamp or an embosser) used to create this mark.

There are two primary types of notary seals:

• Embossed Seal: This type of seal creates a raised impression on the document, meaning the design is pressed into the paper, making it three-dimensional. Because it alters the paper's surface, an embossed seal is difficult to perfectly photocopy or digitally reproduce, making it a strong indicator of an original document.
• Rubber-Stamp Seal: This is the most common type of notary seal, which applies an ink impression onto the document. It typically includes essential information such as the notary's name, the words "Notary Public," the state and county of commission, and the expiration date of their commission. Unlike an embossed seal, a rubber-stamp seal is easily reproducible via photocopying or scanning.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of a notary seal:

• Scenario 1 (Embossed Seal for Property Transfer): When a couple finalizes the sale of their house, the deed transferring ownership to the new buyers must be notarized. The notary public uses an embossed seal on the deed.

  Explanation: The raised, tactile impression of the embossed seal on the deed provides an unmistakable physical mark that is difficult to forge or perfectly duplicate. This ensures that the original, legally binding document can be easily distinguished from copies, adding a crucial layer of security for such a significant property transaction.

• Scenario 2 (Rubber-Stamp Seal for an Affidavit): A student applying for a scholarship needs to submit an affidavit confirming their residency, and the scholarship committee requires it to be notarized. The notary public reviews the student's identification and then applies a rubber-stamp seal to the affidavit.

  Explanation: The ink stamp clearly displays all the notary's official details, including their name, commission number, and expiration date. This allows the scholarship committee to easily verify the notary's credentials and confirms that the student's signature on the affidavit was properly witnessed, even if they receive a scanned copy of the document.

• Scenario 3 (Both Seals for International Documents): A business executive needs to have a power of attorney notarized for use in a foreign country. The notary public first applies a standard rubber-stamp seal, and then, because some international authorities prefer it, also adds an embossed seal over a portion of the ink stamp.

  Explanation: In this case, both types of notary seals are used to provide maximum assurance. The rubber-stamp seal offers all the necessary printed information for easy verification, while the embossed seal adds a physical, tamper-evident mark that can be felt and seen, satisfying potential requirements for a more secure, non-reproducible authentication in an international context.