Key Takeaways
- New York notaries may use a rubber stamp but it is not legally required
- The notary signature is the legal requirement
- If using a stamp, it must contain specific information
- The stamp must be legible and properly maintained
- The county of commission must be included
Last updated: January 2026
Notary Stamp Requirements
Unlike many states, New York does NOT require notaries to use an official seal or stamp. However, most notaries choose to use one for professional purposes, and certain documents may specifically request one.
Legal Requirements
| Element | Required? |
|---|---|
| Notary signature | YES - Always required |
| Notary stamp/seal | No - Optional |
| Printed name | YES - Must be legible |
| Commission expiration | YES - Must be stated |
| County of commission | YES - Must be included |
Signature Requirements
Every notarized document must include:
- Notary's signature - Your official signature as it appears on your commission
- Printed name - Below your signature (may be typed or stamped)
- "Notary Public, State of New York" - Your title
- County of commission - Where you are commissioned
- Commission expiration date - When your commission ends
Optional Stamp Information
If you choose to use a stamp, it typically includes:
JOHN DOE
Notary Public, State of New York
No. 01DO1234567
Qualified in Erie County
Commission Expires March 15, 2028
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Exactly as on commission |
| Title | "Notary Public, State of New York" |
| Commission number | Your unique ID |
| Qualified in | County of commission |
| Expiration | Date commission ends |
Stamp vs. No Stamp
| Consideration | With Stamp | Without Stamp |
|---|---|---|
| Legally valid | Yes | Yes |
| Professional appearance | Enhanced | Acceptable |
| Time efficiency | Faster | Slower |
| Consistency | High | Varies |
| Cost | Purchase required | No cost |
Proper Stamp Usage
Do's
- Apply clearly and legibly
- Use black or blue ink
- Ensure all information is readable
- Replace worn stamps promptly
- Keep stamp secure
Don'ts
- Don't stamp incomplete documents
- Don't stamp documents without notarizing
- Don't use a damaged or illegible stamp
- Don't lend your stamp to anyone
- Don't use stamp after commission expires
After Commission Ends
When your commission expires or you resign:
- Destroy your stamp immediately
- Never use the stamp after expiration
- Obtain new stamp if you renew
On the Exam
Questions about stamps and signatures:
- Stamp required: NO in New York
- Signature required: YES always
- Must include: Name, title, county, expiration date
- After expiration: Destroy stamp
Test Your Knowledge
Is a notary stamp or seal legally required in New York?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
What information MUST be included with every notarization in New York?
A
B
C
D