Notary Public Underwriters Blog
Beyond the Notary Stamp – Supplies Notaries Need
- Details
- Published: March 22, 2022
As a Notary, it is important to have the essential tools to properly perform your duties for the public and to protect yourself from financial liability. We’ve compiled a list of the top six items a Notary will need to perform their notarial duties with confidence and ease.
1. Notary Stamp or Notary Seal
While almost every state requires a Notary Stamp or Notary Seal is a requirement in every state, not all stamps and seals are created equal. Pay close attention to your state’s Notary stamp guidelines and make sure your stamp manufacturer is on the list of approved stamp vendors if your state provides one. You want a stamp/seal that is easy to grip, comfortable in your hand, and delivers a crisp impression every time. Stamps that utilize a clear positioning window allow for better accuracy when placing your notary seal avoiding time wasted rectifying unintentional mistakes.
2. Notary Bond
Most states require a Notary to purchase a Notary Bond. A Notary Bond is a type of surety bond issued by an approved surety company to protect the public from any financial loss due to wrongdoing on the part of the Notary. The surety company guarantees to the public that the Notary will perform their duties in accordance with Notary law. If there is any improper conduct by the Notary, the surety company will pay damages caused by the improper notarization up to the amount of the Notary Bond. While the Notary Bond protects the public, it does not protect the Notary. A Notary can still be held financially liable for unintentional mistakes or false claims.
3. Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance
Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance is designed to protect the Notary from financial liability in the case of any unintentional wrongdoing or false claims. It’s an essential tool in every Notary’s toolbox. Your claim, legal fees, and court costs are covered by Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance up to the policy limit. Without one of these vital and affordable policies, you could incur significant legal expenses–even if you are not at fault. Remember, the Notary Bond protects the public; Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance protects the Notary.
4. Notary Record Book
Recording notarial transactions in a Notary Record Book is a Notary best practice, and is required or highly recommended in most states. Keeping a Notary Record Book allows a Notary to document the details of each notarial act performed. If a notarization ever comes into question, or a lawsuit is filed against the Notary, the Notary Record Book can provide crucial information needed regarding the transaction in question. A Notary Record Book can be the key to a Notary’s defense.
5. State-Specific Notary Handbook
The nuances of notarial law can get a bit confusing. Every notarization presents different challenges, and questions are bound to eventually arise. Keeping a Notary Handbook specific to your state’s notary law can help you tackle those confusing Notary requests. A state-specific Notary Handbook is a critical item for any Notary looking to perform their notarial duties with confidence.
6. Extra Jurats and Acknowledgments
You never know when you might be presented with a document that displays an invalid notarial certificate, or may even be missing one altogether. Keeping a Jurat or Acknowledgment stamp or/and loose paper jurats and acknowledgments on hand can save you in a pinch.
Each one of the items listed above is a vital component of a Notary’s toolkit. They assist a Notary in performing their notarial duties with professionalism and success. If you have any questions regarding the products listed above, please contact our Customer Care Team. We’d love to assist you!