Notary Stamp and Seal Requirements
What the domain covers
Iowa requires every notary to use an official stamp or seal that identifies the notary and the commission. The exam tests the required elements, legibility, and the difference between a compliant impression and a decorative seal.
Core rules
- The stamp must include the notary's name as commissioned, the commission number, the words “Notary Public, State of Iowa,” and the commission expiration date.
- The impression must be legible and capable of being photocopied or electronically reproduced. A crimp seal that cannot be read on a copy is not enough by itself.
- Keep the stamp secure and use it only for notarial acts. Do not lend it to another person.
- For remote online notarization, use the approved electronic seal that contains the same identifying elements.
- If the commission expires or the notary's name changes, stop using the old stamp and obtain a corrected one.
Worked example
A notary's stamp reads “Jane R. Doe, Notary Public, State of Iowa, Commission 123456” but has no expiration date. A recorder rejects the document. The missing expiration date is not a minor style issue: Iowa requires it as part of the official stamp. Jane must replace the stamp with one showing the expiration date before notarizing again.
Traps
Signing “JP” or a nickname instead of the commissioned name; using a stamp that omits “State of Iowa”; stamping over the certificate text so it cannot be read; and continuing to use a stamp after renewal with the old expiration date. A notary commission number is not the same as a driver's license or office number.