Arkansas Notary Stamp & Seal Requirements

Becoming or serving as a notary public in Arkansas comes with significant legal responsibilities, one of the most critical being the proper use of an official notary stamp or seal. Understanding these requirements is essential to ensure every notarization is valid and enforceable. 

This article offers an in-depth examination of the law’s requirements, the significance of the seal, and how notaries can remain compliant in Arkansas.

Legal Requirement for a Notary Seal in Arkansas

In Arkansas, every notary public is required by law to use an official seal when performing notarial acts. This seal serves as the visible authentication of the notary’s authority and validates the notarization. Without a compliant seal, documents risk being rejected by courts, government agencies, and businesses.

The seal provides a safeguard against fraud and ensures that the notarial act can be independently verified at a later date. It is a core requirement that distinguishes authorized notarial work from unofficial signatures.

What the Law Specifically Says

Arkansas law clearly specifies the requirements for a notary seal, including its appearance and the information it must contain. The rules apply equally whether a stamp or an embosser is used to produce the seal.

The seal must include:

• The notary’s name exactly as it appears on their official commission.
  
• The name of the county where the notary’s bond is filed.
  
• The words “Notary Public” and “Arkansas.”
  
• The expiration date of the notary’s commission.
  
• The commission number, if the Secretary of State has issued one.

The seal must be placed under or near the notary’s signature on every notarial certificate. Notably, the law also prohibits the use of the Arkansas State Seal or an outline of the state in any notary seal design.

Design and Format Requirements

The law allows Arkansas notaries to choose between a rubber stamp or an embosser, as long as the impression is clear and legible. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that any notarial seal can be photocopied or scanned without losing clarity.

Key design details include:

• Size and shape: No exact dimensions are mandated, but impressions must be sharp, reproducible, and professional in appearance.
  
• Ink: If a rubber stamp is used, the ink should be dark and permanent to ensure readability.
  
• Embossers: Embossing seals are acceptable provided that the impression is visible on copies. Many notaries prefer to use both a stamp and an embosser for added credibility.

Special Notes and Considerations

Arkansas allows electronic notarizations, and eNotaries must follow the same rules and regulations that apply to traditional notarizations, including adherence to Arkansas seal requirements.

Over the years, Arkansas has refined its requirements to avoid confusion with state symbols. By law, notaries are specifically forbidden from including the official State Seal or the outline of Arkansas in their stamp. Additionally, while some notaries historically were not issued commission numbers, those who have one today must include it on their seal.

Why the Notary Seal Matters

The notary seal is not simply a formality. It is a safeguard that protects both the notary and the signer. Without it, the notarization may be deemed invalid, potentially creating legal complications.

The seal proves the identity of the notary, verifies the authenticity of the act, and provides a layer of protection against fraud. Courts, businesses, and government offices rely on the presence of a proper seal before accepting notarized documents. A missing or defective seal can result in rejected paperwork and delays in critical transactions.

Arkansas notaries should invest in a high quality state approved notary stamp to stay compliant.

Best Practices for Arkansas Notaries

Every notary should make it a priority to ensure their seal is always compliant and in good working condition. A neglected or improperly used seal can result in invalid documents and loss of trust.

Practical steps for Arkansas notaries include:

1. Invest in a high quality seal that produces clear and durable impressions. 
2. Check seal clarity often and replace worn or faint stamps immediately.
3. Keep the seal secure at all times since it is the exclusive property of the notary.
4. Review documents before finalizing to confirm the seal is correctly placed and contains all required information.
   Consider using both a stamp and an embosser. This practice adds credibility and reduces the risk of fraudulent reproduction.

Protecting Your Notarial Authority

The notary seal represents more than compliance; it represents the trust placed in notaries by the state and the public. By following Arkansas requirements and adhering to best practices, notaries protect the validity of their work, safeguard signers from fraud, and maintain their professional credibility. New and experienced Arkansas notaries alike should update their tools with modern, state approved seals to maintain compliance and professionalism.