Notary Seal and Rubber Stamp Requirements
Required seal or stamp
New Hampshire notaries must use an official seal or rubber stamp that clearly shows the notary's name, the words Notary Public, New Hampshire, and the commission expiration date. The impression must be legible and capable of being photographed or scanned. Use dark ink and keep the stamp clean; a faint or partial impression can cause rejection.
Control and updates
Keep the seal secure and use it only when performing a notarial act. Do not lend it. When you renew, change your name, or receive a new expiration date, replace the stamp promptly. An old stamp with a stale date is a defect even if your new commission is active. If the seal is lost or stolen, report it as directed and obtain a new one.
Worked example
A notary renews but keeps using the old stamp because it still has ink. The stamp shows the previous expiration date. A title company rejects the deed. The notary's commission is valid, but the notarial certificate is defective on its face. The fix is a new stamp with the current date, not an explanation in the margin. Reasoning: the stamp is part of the certificate and must match the commission.
Traps
Using an embosser that cannot be scanned without inking. Missing the expiration date. Using State of New Hampshire but omitting Notary Public. Continuing to use a seal after a name change.