Notary Public SuppliesHaving the right tools is necessary to get a job done. To develop a successful independent business, a Notary Public needs basic supplies to perform the official duties. The seal is the most recognized symbol of the notary's job. Now that seal comes in both paper and electronic options. Seal Stamp or Seal Embosser - For many years a test of an original notarized document was to touch the raised letters of the notary seal embosser. If the seal was flat, the paper was likely a copy. Not so today, as the seal can be applied by stamp as well as embosser. The choice of stamp or embosser is left to the notary in some states while a few require the embosser. To give a document a look of added importance, the Notary can attach gold foil seal to the document then press the embosser directly on to it. The seal can also be applied by stamping it onto the document. A rectangular or round rubber stamp with ink pad is the least expensive option. A pre-inked stamp combines stamp and ink in an easy to use instrument. Notaries tend to favor the pre-inked seal stamp because it is less messy and faster to use. Specialty Stamps - Another time saver is the Jurat stamp for use on documents. The Jurat stamp is prepared with generic wording or specific wording required for California, Washington or Florida. The Jurat is a larger stamp which uses an oversize stamp pad. Electronic Seal - With increasing interest in the electronic notarization process, a digital form of the seal is applied with custom software. Check your state rules for acceptance of electronic notarization. The National Notary Association (NNA) offers an Electronic Notary Seal. The E-notary seal is part of the package that includes fingerprint and signature pad, web cam and annual software fee. The e-notary package costs approximately $400-$600, so a Notary needs to have enough distance business to justify the cost. Certificate Pads - Frequently used certificates are available in pre-printed padded form for such frequently used items as an affidavit, acknowledgement, Jurat or passport affidavit. The American Society of Notaries (ASN) offers certificates on CD to print and complete. The National Notary Association (NNA) also has certificates to download for a monthly fee. Thumbprint Pads - Small inkless pad is designed for thumbprint identification that is also easy to clean up. Notary Journal - The journal is the official record book detailing documents notarized and the method of identifying the signors. Some journals also have a column for thumbprint identification. Marriage Kits - For Notary Publics who are allowed to perform weddings, the ASN Marriage Kit has a how-to manual with three ceremony styles, ornate certificates and gold seals. Professional Organization - Members of the American Society of Notaries or the National Notary Association receive a discount on notary supplies. Annual membership in one of these organizations is not required but is definitely worthwhile for a notary public to stay current on changes in the field. Get fast and discreet access to nationwide court records Click Here |