Posted by Pamela on 8/9/06 10:26am
Msg #137765

Attention: California Notaries!

Several months ago a long-time, experienced (20 years), escrow officer told me that the notary seal has to be "perfect", for recording in Los Angeles County (as well as Riverside). That "nearly" perfect or "looking good" would not do as there are clerks who would reject it.

Recently I was at a UPS store, and watched a notary stamping documents. Afterwards, I asked her if the seal needed to be perfect, she said "No". That as long as the notary name and commission number was readable, that was all that mattered.

Now, I have seen recorded documents, where the ink is very dark, although the name and commission number can be seen.

Therefore, what is correct? Must the seal be perfect?

Thanks!

Pam

Reply by Becca_FL on 8/9/06 10:37am
Msg #137770

Why ask here? Why not go to the source? Pick up the phone and call the county recording office. Be prepared to be put on hold for a while when calling LA county.

Reply by Gary_CA on 8/9/06 10:37am
Msg #137771

I've been told that the pocket seals that are smaller than normal are usually rejected too... I guess it just depends on how bored the clerk is that day...and whether or not any notary in that county ever dares take one to task for being a jerk or do they all roll over.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 8/9/06 10:42am
Msg #137775

Re: Attention: California Notaries! Well, defining perfect

for another party can be very hard to do, and I have also heard LA and Riverside County can be stricter then other, I have also heard San Bernardino is very easy....for what ever it s worth.

Reply by Pamela on 8/9/06 11:30am
Msg #137796

Gary, Re: Attention: California Notaries!

Gary,

Thanks for letting me know about the pocket seals.
Saw them in the NNA catalogue and had thought
about purchasing one. I'll just use the standard
one as I do not want to cause confusion.

Take Care,

Pam

Reply by Brad_CA on 8/9/06 10:43am
Msg #137776

http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/notary/notary_hdbk.pdf

It must be "photographically reproducible" Check out Page 7 of the California notary Handbook under Notary Seal. This is in PDF Format and will show as 9 of 48 at bottom of page.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/9/06 10:50am
Msg #137780

Your escrow officer is wrong

If the stamp isn't "perfect" the title company will attach "Illegible notary seal Declaration" and it will go through just fine.

LA County is known for their rejecting notary certificates that don't have "notary public" after the name. Stamp impressions can be handled through the TC.

It's always best to be aware of how your stamp is working. Most stamps now have adjustments for the amount of ink to dispense.

Reply by Pamela on 8/9/06 11:22am
Msg #137790

Re: Your escrow officer is wrong

TitleGal, Thank You!

This is exactly what I needed to know! This explains why I have seen
less than perfect seals on recorded documents (I did not want to
telephone the county recorder's office, because I would be transfered,
put on hold etc. . .).

This is one of those lingering questions that I had been wanting to ask for
a long time. I was told that, if the seal wasn't perfect, the document
may not be rejected immediately, but maybe months later.

Thanks Again,

Pam

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 8/9/06 10:51am
Msg #137781

Good grief the last person to ask is the UPS notary. I have watched them have complete disreguard to notary law without missing a beat. The escrow officer is a much more reliable source since they are the ones that deal with rejected docs. You can always RTFN (read the f'ing manual), or call the county recorders.

I can't even believe this is a serious question. I think our chains are being yanked.

Reply by cyndi_ca on 8/9/06 11:12am
Msg #137786

I am wondering why this is even being asked, or unless I am missing something here. Just make sure your stamp makes a clear and legible impression every time.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/9/06 11:22am
Msg #137791

Pamela will respond to each and every reponse...so this will become a super-thread. Just like the thread two days ago about the website....sigh.

I only answered because I wanted to make it clear about LA's requirements.

Reply by cyndi_ca on 8/9/06 11:25am
Msg #137793

Re: Attention: California Notaries! LOL

I'm just wondering why the question of what each county requires is really an issue. It should be a clear perfect impression no matter what. jmho.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 8/9/06 11:36am
Msg #137801

Re: Attention: California Notaries! LOL Becasue remember

when you were told as a child to put your thinking cap on.....well many now adults just don't have their thinking caps on....That simple......

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 8/9/06 11:37am
Msg #137803

Re: sorry for typo that's because n/m