Notary seal prices range from $15 to $75, depending on the type and where you order it
A notary seal — the rubber stamp or embosser that marks a document as officially witnessed — costs between $15 and $75 for a new one. The price depends on whether you buy a straightforward rubber stamp, a more durable embosser, or a combination tool. Online retailers like Amazon and Staples often have the lowest prices, while office supply stores and specialty notary vendors charge more but may offer faster shipping or customization.
Most notaries buy their first seal from an online office supply retailer and spend $20 to $40. If you need the seal urgently, expect to pay a premium for expedited shipping, which can add $10 to $20 to the total cost. Some states have specific requirements about what information must appear on the seal, so you may need to order from a vendor familiar with your state's rules rather than a generic office supply store.
Key Takeaways
- A basic rubber stamp notary seal costs $15 to $30 from online retailers, while embossers and combination tools run $40 to $75.
- Your state's notary laws may require specific wording or formatting on the seal, so check your state's notary handbook before ordering.
- Amazon, Staples, and Office Depot stock generic seals that ship within days, while specialty notary vendors may take one to two weeks but offer state-specific options.
- Embossers last longer than rubber stamps and produce a raised impression that is harder to counterfeit, making them worth the extra cost if you notarize frequently.
Rubber stamps versus embossers: which type costs less and lasts longer
A rubber stamp notary seal is the cheapest option at $15 to $30. It uses ink pads and produces a flat, inked impression on the document. Rubber stamps are straightforward to use and work on almost any paper, but the ink can fade over time and the stamp itself wears out after a few thousand uses. If you notarize only occasionally, a rubber stamp is practical and affordable.
An embosser costs $40 to $75 and creates a raised, three-dimensional impression without ink. Embossers are more durable — they can last for tens of thousands of impressions — and the raised mark is harder to forge. Many notaries prefer embossers because the impression is permanent and visible even if the document is photocopied. The downside is that embossers require more pressure to use and do not work well on thin or delicate paper.
A combination seal includes both a rubber stamp and an embosser in one tool, priced between $50 and $75. This option gives you flexibility: use the stamp for delicate documents and the embosser for standard paper. Combination seals are popular with notaries who work with many document types.
Where to buy a notary seal and typical shipping times
Amazon and Staples stock generic notary seals and ship within two to three business days for standard delivery. Prices on these platforms are competitive — usually $20 to $40 for a rubber stamp — and you can read customer reviews before buying. If you have a Prime membership, Amazon offers free two-day shipping on many seals.
Office Depot and Office Max carry notary seals in-store and online. In-store pickup is available at many locations, which eliminates shipping time if you need the seal the same day. Prices are similar to Amazon and Staples, typically $25 to $45.
Specialty notary vendors like National Notary Association (NNA) and state-specific notary suppliers offer seals customized to your state's requirements. These vendors take five to ten business days to ship but may support your seal meets your state's exact specifications for wording, size, and format. If your state has strict notary seal rules, ordering from a specialty vendor costs a bit more but prevents the risk of buying a seal that does not comply with state law.
State-specific seal requirements that affect price
Some states require notary seals to include specific information: your name, the state, your commission number, and your commission expiration date. A few states also specify the seal's size, shape, or whether it must be circular or rectangular. These requirements mean you cannot always use a generic seal from a big-box retailer.
If your state has strict requirements, a generic seal may cost less upfront but will not be usable, forcing you to buy a second seal that complies. Checking your state's notary handbook before ordering saves money and time. Most state notary boards post their seal requirements online, or you can call your state's Secretary of State office to confirm what your seal must include.
States like California, Texas, and New York have detailed seal specifications. A compliant seal from a specialty vendor in these states may cost $50 to $75, while a generic seal costs only $20. The extra cost is worth it because using a non-compliant seal can invalidate notarizations.
Replacement and renewal costs when your commission expires
When your notary commission expires — typically every four to ten years depending on your state — you need a new seal with an updated expiration date. The cost is the same as buying your first seal: $15 to $75 depending on the type. Some notaries keep their old seal as a backup, while others discard it to avoid accidentally using an expired seal.
If you renew your commission with the same state and your name and commission number do not change, you can sometimes reuse your old seal if it does not display an expiration date. Check your state's rules on this point, as some states require the expiration date on the seal itself.
Bulk discounts and cost savings for multiple seals
If you are buying seals for a notary business or office with multiple notaries, bulk discounts are available. Specialty notary vendors often offer 10 to 20 percent off when you order five or more seals. Online retailers like Amazon do not always advertise bulk pricing, but contacting their business sales team may yield discounts on larger orders.
Some notaries buy a backup seal to keep in a safe place in case their primary seal is lost or damaged. A backup seal costs the same as the original, so budget an extra $20 to $75 if you want one. The backup seal should have the same information as your primary seal so notarizations are consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a seal from another notary or buy a used seal?
No. Each notary seal must be unique to you and include your name and commission number. Using someone else's seal is illegal and voids any notarizations made with it. You must buy a new seal with your own information.
What if I order a seal and it does not meet my state's requirements?
Contact the vendor when ready and request a refund or replacement. Most vendors will remake the seal at no extra cost if it does not comply with your state's specifications. Keep your state's notary handbook handy when ordering to avoid this problem.
Do I need to register my seal with the state?
Most states do not require you to register the seal itself, but some require you to provide a sample impression to the Secretary of State when you receive your commission. Check your state's notary handbook or contact your Secretary of State office to confirm what is required in your state.
How long does a notary seal last before it wears out?
A rubber stamp seal typically lasts 2,000 to 5,000 impressions before the image becomes faint. An embosser lasts 10,000 to 50,000 impressions or more. If you notarize frequently, an embosser is a better long-term investment despite the higher upfront cost.
Can I order a seal online if I live outside the United States?
Notary seals are specific to U.S. states and some Canadian provinces. If you are a notary in a U.S. state, you can order online from any of the retailers mentioned. If you are outside the U.S., check whether your country or province recognizes notaries and what seal requirements explore.