Size of a California Notary Stamp

Notary stamp requirements for notaries licensed in California were revised in 1992. Today, only state-approved manufacturers can sell official notary seals. The Secretary of State, which licenses notaries public, must assign an identification number to each notary seal manufacturer or vendor.

Notary Seal Requirements

• The general requirements for producing notary stamps (also referred to as notary seals) include printing the words "Notary Public," name of the notary, county where the notary bond and oath of office were filed, date of the notary public's commission expiration, identification number of the notary and identification number of the state-approved manufacturer or vendor.

Size Requirement

• Pursuant to California Government Code Section 8207, round notary seals must be two inches in diameter or less. Alternatively, notary seals can be rectangular, in which case the seal must not be over 1-by-2 1/2 inches in width and length.

Approved Notary Seal Manufacturers & Vendors

• The Secretary of State must issue each notary seal manufacturer or vendor a sequential permit number. A fee for issuing a manufacturing or vending permit may be charged as established by the Secretary of State. Willful violation of any of the provisions relating to the production of notary stamps can result in a fine of $1,500 for each violation.