Florida Notary Stamps & Certificates
Notary stamps and certificates are essential for notaries in Florida, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of notarized documents. Understanding the role of stamps and certificates is vital when becoming a notary in Florida.
Florida Notary Association provides comprehensive education and necessary notary supplies to help you meet state requirements and carry out your notarial duties. With our guidance and support, you can confidently perform your duties as a notary public, knowing you have all the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.
Notary Stamp Requirements in Florida
A notary’s official seal in Florida must be a rubber stamp containing specific details. The notary public stamp must include the notary’s name, commission number, and commission expiration date. This seal should be affixed to all notarized documents in black ink, ensuring it is photographically reproducible. Additionally, every Florida notary must print, type, or stamp their name below their signature exactly as it is commissioned.
Notaries can choose to use an embosser seal in addition to the rubber stamp, but it cannot replace it. The rubber notary stamp is the official seal for notarized documents.
Notary Stamp Checklist:
- Rubber stamp with “Notary Public-State of Florida”
- Notary’s name
- Commission expiration date
- Commission number
- Black ink for reproducibility
- Printed, typed, or stamped below the signature
Order Notary Stamps
To order notary stamps, you must submit a Stamp Order Form and a $15 payment for shipping and handling. The stamp itself is free; customers only pay for shipping and handling. Payment options include check, money order, purchase order, or credit card. Custom notary stamps are typically shipped within about seven business days. Ensure your information is accurate to avoid delays.
Notary Certificate Requirements in Florida
Notary certificates are crucial for validating notarial acts in Florida. Each certificate must include specific details such as the notary’s name, commission number, and commission expiration date. Certificates should be kept up to date and replaced as necessary to ensure compliance with state regulations. Notary commissions must be renewed every four years, but you will also need to request a replacement stamp if yours is lost or after a name change.
Request a Certificate Replacement
To request a certificate replacement, submit a Certificate Replacement Form and a $22 fee. Payments can be made by check, money order, purchase order, or credit card. The State of Florida issues certificates and typically ship within about seven business days of payment. Ensure your request form is complete and accurate to avoid processing delays.
Notary Stamp and Certificate FAQs
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If your notary seal goes missing, you are legally required to report the loss immediately to the Florida Department of State. This helps prevent unauthorized use of your seal, which could lead to fraudulent activities. Keeping a record of your report is crucial for protecting yourself from any potential liability and ensuring you comply with state regulations
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To report your notary seal as lost or stolen, call the Department of State Notary Commissions and Certifications at (850) 245-6975 or mail a letter regarding the lost seal to:
Department of State
Division of Corporations
Notary Commissions or Apostille Certification
2415 North Monroe Street, Suite 810
Tallahassee, FL 32303
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Florida notary stamps must use black ink. Black ink ensures the notary seal is photographically reproducible, meeting state standards for document authenticity. Using any other color could render the document invalid. It is important to check your ink regularly to maintain its quality and clarity. Keeping an extra ink pad on hand ensures you’re always prepared for notarial duties.
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When your Florida notary stamp expires, it should be disposed of properly to prevent any potential misuse. One effective method is to deface the rubber stamp portion to make it unusable. You can cut, burn, or otherwise destroy the stamp.
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While Florida law does not require you to display your notary certificate, it is a good practice to keep it in a safe and accessible place. Displaying it can reassure clients of your credentials and readiness to perform notarial acts.
Florida Notary Association is Here to Help
Florida Notary Association is committed to supporting notaries with all their needs. Whether you need to order notary stamps, replace a certificate, or have questions about notarial practices, we are here to assist you. Contact us today to find out how we can answer any questions you might have and support you in your role as a notary public.