Notary Seal Requirements: California vs Texas (Size, Format, and Rules)

Your notary seal (or stamp) is the official mark that authenticates every notarial act you perform. Using an improper seal, a seal with incorrect information, or someone else's seal can invalidate your notarizations and expose you to liability. Seal requirements are heavily tested on both the California and Texas notary exams.

Under Gov. Code Section 8207, a California notary seal must contain the following elements: - Your name as it appears on your commission - The words 'Notary Public' - The Great Seal of the State of California - Your commission expiration date - The county where your principal place of business is located - Your commission number Size limits: - Circular seal: maximum 2 inches in diameter - Rectangular seal: maximum 1 inch wide by 2.5 inches long The seal must produce a legible, photographically reproducible impression. When your commission ends, you must destroy or deface your seal so it cannot be used.

Under Tex. Gov't Code Section 406.013, a Texas notary seal must contain: - The words 'Notary Public, State of Texas' arranged around a star of five points - Your name as it appears on your commission - Your commission expiration date - Your notary ID number (required for commissions issued on or after January 1, 2016) Size limits: - Circular seal: not more than 2 inches in diameter - Rectangular seal: not more than 1 inch wide by 2.5 inches long The seal must have a serrated or milled edge border and use indelible ink so the impression is legible and photographically reproducible.

While the size limits are identical, there are important differences: CALIFORNIA: - Must include the Great Seal of California - Must include your county - Must include your commission number - Must be destroyed when commission ends TEXAS: - Must include a star of five points - Must include your notary ID number (post-2016) - Must have serrated or milled edge border - Must use indelible ink (explicitly required by statute) Both states require the seal on every notarial act, and both require you to keep the seal secure and under your exclusive control.

Both California and Texas have strict rules about seal security: - Your seal must be kept under your exclusive control at all times - Never let anyone else use your seal - Report loss or theft immediately - Store your seal in a locked location when not in use - Do not leave your seal at your workplace where others can access it - In California, destroy or deface your seal when your commission ends A stolen or misused seal can be used for fraud. You may be held liable if your seal is used improperly because you failed to keep it secure.