Notary Embossers

Notary Embossers – The Enduring Symbol of Notarial Authority
Published October 1, 2024

In our fast-moving, hi-tech world, it’s remarkable that a notary tool dating as far back as the 1700s is still considered not only useful, but relevant.

For centuries, notaries public have used seal embossing devices to imprint their seal of office in the official certificates detailing their notarial acts.

Early seal embossing devices were somewhat tall, heavy metal tools designed to sit on a flat surface such as a desktop.  They featured a large lever for exerting the force needed to create an embossment on paper.  

Because desktop embossing devices were commonly used by persons of authority, they tended to be ornate. A lion’s head motif was common, symbolizing the nobility and stateliness of the user or of a position held by the user.

Fast-forward a few centuries. Those once-weighty, desktop objects have evolved.  Today’s embossing devices are much lighter, ergonomically pleasing to use and capable of producing crisp, satisfying embossments with far less effort than early designs required. Visually, both the desktop-style and handheld embossers are great examples of modern, utilitarian chic.

Fully half of the states in the continental U.S., plus the U.S. Virgin Islands, allow use of an embossing seal as a notary public’s official tool of office. Nine more states allow use of an embossing seal IF it’s accompanied (for every notarial act involving a certificate) by use of an ink stamp.

In addition to modern-day desktop embossers, notaries may now choose to use handheld embossing devices… an unheard-of concept centuries ago when embossing devices were first used.  Most notaries easily squeeze a quality handheld embosser with just one hand, to produce consistently crisp, clean embossments.

If you’re commissioned/appointed in a state that requires embossing seal use, or if your state allows embossing seal use in combination with an ink stamp, please consider browsing American Society of Notaries’ selection of quality desktop and handheld embossing seals.  We have handsome options in chrome or metallic gray finishes, with bodies by market leader Trodat and dies (the part that produces the raised, crimped seal) produced by our trusted onsite manufacturer.  We personally inspect every embossing seal we produce, to assure you receive a quality product you’ll be proud to use and make a part of your notary toolkit.

To view our selection of handheld and desktop embossers, select your state on our Notary Supplies page at https://www.asnnotary.org/?form=supplies

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