Posted by Marla_NorCal on 6/23/05 1:26pm
Msg #47156

Sample of Stamp

How do you handle this request when made for a sample of your notary stamp from signing companies? Should I just ignore it, cross it out and void it?? I know it can't be legal to just stamp "willy nilly" as I am not "notarizing" anything. TIA for your wisdom (I did do a search 1st) Marla- NorCal

Reply by Sheila in San Jose CA on 6/23/05 1:58pm
Msg #47170

dont do it, its not legal to stamp anything but your certs! I have told anyone asking that I can't and have never had anyone insist

Reply by Terri_CA on 6/23/05 4:06pm
Msg #47209

What you do is this:

In the area where they want you to place your "sample" simply write, "It is illegal per California Notarial Law to place my Notary Public seal on any document that is not an official notarial act. I am enclosing a copy of my Commission Certificate for your review."

When I started out two years ago, this is what I did and all was well. Of course, that's when I was signing contracts. I no longer sign any contracts. Great piece of advise I received last year, "When they call and offer and I accept, then receive written confirmation, that's the contract. PERIOD!" No more "need our contract signed before we can pay you." Nope not going to happen. Sorry, once burned, twice shy.

Terri
Lancaster, CA

Reply by Gerry_VT on 6/23/05 7:41pm
Msg #47259

How about going to the county land record office, getting a copy of a deed with your stamp on it, and sending the copy?

Reply by Joel CT on 6/23/05 8:17pm
Msg #47264

I treat my seal/stamp like my social security number and insurance information. When I do work with a company, they will have several samples of my seal/stamp... just look thru the documents. Same goes with my personal information.... I will galdly offer my SSN or TIN when we actually do business, but never before. With the exception of the few test-seals or stamps made to refill a stamp or allign a seal, there should never be more impressions of my seal than notorial acts performed. No SS or TC has balked at this.

Joel

Reply by TitleGalCA on 6/23/05 10:09pm
Msg #47296

What's next - birth certificate? Title to your first-born? Or, maybe it's another test question? If you send a copy of the stamp, they'll tell you you don't know the laws...sigh.

I like Terri's idea to send a copy of the notary commission and a statement.