Posted by BarbaraL_CA on 1/26/05 8:35pm
Msg #18307

Request for notary seal on sealed envelope

This type of request is new to me, has anyone ever had a request like this?

The gentleman wants a notary to stamp a sealed envelope certifying that the envelope is in fact sealed and unopened. The reason being that if the envelope is later open the notary seal would be broken. I explained that I could take an affidavit from him swearing that the envelope is sealed and unopen on such and such a day, but he says that doesn't stop it from being open. He says notaries public do this all the time in other countries. I told him I'd check into to it as it is new to me.

I'm really curious - I picture this request as the old style wax/seal stamp thing.

Feedback?

Reply by PAW_Fl on 1/26/05 8:47pm
Msg #18309

Notaries in other countries live and work with different laws. In the US, most of us are not civil law notaries and have very limited authority.

Even putting your stamp on the envelope won't do anything. The gentleman might as well put a "COPY" or "FAXED" stamp on it. It would do the same thing. The envelope could still be opened and resealed. What he needs to do, is put a real "seal" on it. Something like the gold seals that corporations put on official documents then emboss. That would be better, but still far from fool proof.

Reply by Robert E (Bob) Rogers on 1/27/05 11:47am
Msg #18395

To elaborate a little further, it would be an illegal act in Florida. Stamp cannot be used for any purpose other than notarizing a document. I'm not sure, but I believe it would be acceptable to use a gold seal and embosser since (in Florida), the embosser is not the "legal" seal. However, I don't know how much trouble it would be to defeat the gold seal by some nefarious method and reseal .

Reply by Paul-CA on 1/26/05 8:50pm
Msg #18310

Does the gentleman understand that your notary seal is just an ink stamp and therefore won't ensure that the envelope remains unopened? I think you're right - he's thinking it's some kind of wax seal. Perhaps you could suggest he seal it with a wax "stamp," himself, then put it in another envelope and send that to himself as certified mail? Just a suggestion...

California law doesn't allow you to affix your seal to anything not containing the "proper notarial wording," and what would that be other than an affidavit as you suggest?

Reply by Julie-MI on 1/26/05 9:35pm
Msg #18316

HMMMM what's in the envelope?

Reply by Julie-MI on 1/26/05 9:35pm
Msg #18317

HMMMM what's in the envelope?

Reply by HisHughness on 1/26/05 10:22pm
Msg #18322

Best way to seal a letter to make sure it remains unopened is simply put the stamp and address on the back, across the flap line.

Reply by Anonymous on 1/27/05 3:46am
Msg #18344

what about jun=loving man whats to check out his space. Could be ,aybe je kist wamnt to party hardy.


become some cool parrtu. What do youl think. briing sone fun ones1 Or we can make som non fun ones fund

i'm tired/ have to crash

Reply by Art_MD on 1/27/05 7:14am
Msg #18353

If the object is to prove a date and the fact that the contents have not been taken out/replaced etc., have him send it certified mail, return receipt requested. The green reply card goes on the back and the strips that remain after the card is taken off and sent back effectively form a seal that would take an expert to open without leaving a trace. The date is verified by the postmark.

I have seen this used when a list of items to be distribution to certain members of a family upon a persons death. The guy didn't want the kids to see who was getting what and having arguments over "joegot that, I WANTED IT". In some wills there is a clause saying, all personal effects are to be divided equally except for items listed in a seperate signed list apart from this will. If no list is found within 30 days, it will be assumed tht no such list exists.

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 1/27/05 11:56am
Msg #18404

Yes, Art...i suggested the certified/return receipt requested to him but he was pretty determined to want a notarized "certified" seal.

I sent an email to the CA SOS just out of curiosity to see what they're response is. Will let you know if I get a reply.

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 1/27/05 11:58am
Msg #18407

Clever idea Hugh you're thinking outside the box again! N/M

Reply by John Charles Gober on 1/29/05 8:52am
Msg #18726

I beleive that the Post office has several options for securing documents that are widely accepted in the legal community.

John Charles Gober

Reply by Shane_IN on 1/28/05 12:29pm
Msg #18571

Is the person trying to send themselves something to circumvent having to take it and get it copyrighted/patented? In the old days people would send themselves stuff saying that proved that they had thought of it earlier...and then sue for royalties etc etc, if the idea came to market.

Copyright/patent laws have changed to stop this from being a valid, so if that's his idea.... he's SOL.

Shane