Notary stamp prices range from $15 to $75 depending on the stamp type and where you order

A basic notary stamp costs between $15 and $40 for a self-inking rubber stamp ordered online or from an office supply store. Metal stamps and custom designs run $40 to $75. The price depends on whether you want a straightforward pre-made stamp or one personalized with your name, credentials, and notary number. Shipping and rush orders add to the cost — overnight delivery can add $10 to $20.

Most notaries buy their first stamp from an office supply retailer like Staples or Office Depot, or order online from Amazon, Stamps.com, or specialty notary suppliers. Local print shops and rubber stamp makers often charge more but can deliver same-day. Some notaries buy multiple stamps — one for the office, one for travel — so total spending varies widely.

Key Takeaways

  • Self-inking rubber stamps cost $15 to $40 and are the most common choice for notaries because they require no separate ink pad.
  • Metal stamps and custom designs cost $40 to $75 and last longer but require a separate ink pad and more pressure to use.
  • Online ordering from Amazon or specialty notary suppliers usually costs less than local print shops, but takes 3 to 7 business days.
  • Your state notary law may require specific stamp dimensions, wording, or information — check your notary handbook before ordering.

Self-inking stamps versus metal stamps

A self-inking stamp has a built-in ink pad that re-inks itself after each impression. You press down, lift, and the stamp is ready for the next use. They cost $15 to $40 and work when ready out of the box. Self-inking stamps are the standard choice for working notaries because they are fast, require no separate equipment, and the ink pad lasts for thousands of impressions before needing replacement.

A metal stamp (also called a hand stamp or traditional stamp) requires a separate ink pad. You press the stamp into the pad, then press it onto the document. Metal stamps cost $40 to $75 and last much longer than rubber — sometimes decades. They are heavier, require more hand pressure, and are slower to use. Most notaries choose metal only if they want a stamp that will outlast heavy use or if state law requires a specific metal design.

Replacement ink pads for either type cost $5 to $15 and are widely available. Self-inking pads snap in and out; metal stamp pads sit in a separate tray. If you use your stamp daily, a self-inking pad lasts roughly one year before needing replacement.

What information must be on your stamp

Your state notary law sets what text and details must appear on your stamp. Most states require your name, the words "Notary Public," your state, and your commission expiration date. Some states also require your notary number or the county where you are commissioned. A few states specify the exact size of the stamp — typically 1 inch by 2 inches or 1.5 inches by 2.5 inches.

Before you order, check your notary handbook or your state's notary board website to confirm the required wording and dimensions. Ordering a stamp that does not meet state requirements means the stamp is unusable and you have wasted the money. Many online retailers let you preview the stamp design before checkout, so you can verify the text matches your state's rules.

Where to buy notary stamps

Online retailers like Amazon, Stamps.com, and NotaryShop.com stock hundreds of pre-made and customizable stamps. Prices are usually lowest here — $15 to $40 for self-inking — and you can order at any hour. Shipping takes 3 to 7 business days for standard delivery. These sites often let you upload your notary information and preview the stamp before paying.

Office supply chains like Staples and Office Depot sell self-inking stamps in-store and online, usually in the $20 to $35 range. You can walk in, buy, and leave the same day, but selection is limited to standard designs. Staff may not know notary requirements, so bring your notary handbook or a photo of your commission certificate to confirm the stamp meets your state's rules.

Local print shops and rubber stamp makers often charge $35 to $50 for a custom stamp and can deliver same-day or next-day. They are useful if you need the stamp urgently or want a design that online retailers do not offer. Call ahead to confirm they understand notary stamp requirements for your state — not all print shops are familiar with notary law.

Rush orders and expedited shipping

If you need a stamp within days rather than weeks, expect to pay more. Overnight shipping adds $10 to $20 to the order. Some online retailers offer rush production — turning your order around in 1 to 2 business days instead of 5 to 7 — for an additional $15 to $25 fee. A few local print shops can produce a stamp the same day you order, but this service is rare and usually costs $50 to $75.

Rush orders make sense if you have just been commissioned and need to start notarizing documents when ready, or if your existing stamp is lost or damaged. For routine orders, standard shipping is cheaper and the wait is manageable.

Replacement pads and stamp maintenance

Self-inking stamp pads wear out after thousands of uses — typically 10,000 to 50,000 impressions depending on the pad quality. When impressions become faint, you replace the pad, not the entire stamp. Replacement pads cost $5 to $15 and snap into the stamp in seconds. You can order them from the same retailer where you bought the stamp, or from office supply stores.

Metal stamps do not have replaceable pads — you buy a separate ink pad tray for $5 to $10 and refill it as needed. Ink bottles for metal stamp pads cost $3 to $8. Metal stamps themselves rarely wear out, so your main cost over time is ink and pads.

Store your stamp in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Self-inking stamps dry out if left uncapped for weeks, so cap them when not in use. Metal stamps should be cleaned after use to prevent ink from hardening on the face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital stamp instead of a physical one?

Most states do not recognize digital stamps for notarized documents. Your state law requires a physical impression — ink on paper — to be valid. A few states are beginning to allow electronic notarization for remote signings, but this requires special software and training, not just a digital image. Check your state notary board to confirm whether digital stamps are permitted in your jurisdiction.

What if I order a stamp and it does not meet my state's requirements?

Contact the retailer and explain the issue. Most online retailers will reprint the stamp at no charge if the error was theirs. If the error was yours — you provided incorrect information — some retailers offer a discount on a replacement order. Keep your receipt and notary handbook handy so you can prove what the requirement was.

Do I need to register my stamp with the state?

Most states do not require you to register the stamp itself, but some require you to file a sample impression with the notary board when you are commissioned. Check your notary handbook or contact your state notary board to confirm. If registration is required, you usually submit a photocopy of the stamp impression along with your commission process.

Can I use the same stamp in multiple states?

No. Each state has different requirements for stamp wording and information. A stamp made for one state will not meet another state's law. If you are commissioned in two states, you need two separate stamps. Some notaries who move between states keep their old stamp as a backup but order a new one that meets their current state's rules.

How long does a notary stamp last?

A self-inking stamp typically lasts 3 to 5 years of regular use before the rubber wears out or the mechanism fails. A metal stamp can last 10 to 20 years or longer. Your notary commission itself expires every 4 to 10 years depending on your state, so you will likely need a new stamp when you renew your commission anyway — the expiration date on the stamp must match your current commission.