Posted by Anita Edwards on 1/16/13 8:03pm
Msg #450734

Dating Notary Verbiage and using a date stamp

I am wondering, and yes have searched the orange button, if it is allowable to use a date stamp in the section of our notary acknowledgement only. I am referring to the area where it states on such and such a date I witnessed, blah blah. Can you use a date stamp in that area only? Sometimes it's typed in there so what would be the difference? Please don't scold me for not searching enough. I have searched. If you don't want to answer the question just close it and move on please. Thank you.

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/16/13 8:16pm
Msg #450736

I've used a name stamp (My Name, Notary Public) but have not used a date stamp. Actually, it's never crossed my mind. I've not seen any prohibition on it in the handbook or newsletter.

<<< If you don't want to answer the question just close it and move on please.>>>

When you post on a public forum, you'll sometimes get both the good and the <unfortunate> bad replies. That's the long and short of it - you cannot control if/how someone responds. The only way to *guarantee* you don't get snotty replies is to not post at all. If you choose to post, that's the chance you take...sorry!

Reply by Shan/CA on 1/16/13 8:25pm
Msg #450737

That is an excellent idea, because we are often forced to write small. Something to look into.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 1/16/13 8:25pm
Msg #450738

I've never seen a prohibition for date stamp either

I have, however, heard of instructions specifically saying use a date stamp....believe it was posted here. For me it doesn't take that long to write a date - for me, the stamp would be far more cumbersome.

Anita, you'll get good help here...but I'd respectfully suggest you not alienate the minds that will be feeding you.

JMO

Reply by MW/VA on 1/16/13 9:38pm
Msg #450747

I have seen instructions not to use a date stamp for docs

but nothing specific about the notary certificate. Personally, I wouldn't do that, because I
think they expect it to be written in.

Reply by Saul Leibowitz on 1/16/13 11:44pm
Msg #450766

Re: I have seen instructions not to use a date stamp for docs

I also have seen instructions not to do so. My own experience, both as the long-time manager of a title company and as a notary/closer, is that it is best not to use a stamp for the date. My odd handwriting is legend in some circles, but our underwriters and lenders never complained about things being handwritten and a few lenders did complain when a notary used a date stamp.
It is probably simpler to just handwrite the date rather than have someone come up with a reason to:
--not hire you again;
--reduce or erase your fee;
--involve you in a dispute that takes you away from productive work or enjoyable leisure.
Those are my thoughts, good luck with your decision.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/17/13 6:15am
Msg #450785

I don't think it is a technically a problem because it is no different than typing in...but, it might be out of the ordinary and upset an apple cart. Probably not worth your time to defend it.

Reply by VT_Syrup on 1/17/13 10:53am
Msg #450799

Re: Dating Notary Verbiage and using a date stamp; comm. exp

I'm tempted to get a date stamp for my commission expiration, because I find it hard to write 2015 instead of the current year. I fill in anyplace that asks for the commission expiration, even though it is shown on my ink seal. Like BrendaTX, I don't want to upset an apple cart.

As for the current date, the blanks often call for the date to be written in a variety of different formats (17 January 2013, this 17th day of January, 2013, this 17th day of January, AD 2013, etc.) so I don't think a date stamp would be very helpful.

Reply by Anita Edwards on 1/17/13 12:04pm
Msg #450827

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and input. I tend to agree that upsetting an apple cart is not a good idea. Also, the various formats would not work either since they aren't really consistent. I checked in to date stamps and it seems all months with more than 4 letters are abbreviated and I'm most sure that would not work at all. Again, thank you.