How to Ink a Notary Stamp

A notary public fills a very important role in our society. This public officer is authorized by the state to perform a number of significant but non-contentious legal tasks, as well as administer certain oaths and certify documents. A notary public must affix a stamp to these documents to verify that they have been notarized, and thus he or she will need to ink the stamp before it can be used.

Things You'll Need

• Notary stamp
• Ink pad
• Paper

Instructions

1. Remove the used ink pad -- the thick horizontal piece on the front of the stamp -- by pushing on it with your finger and pulling it out the other side.

2. Remove the new ink pad from the packaging and turn it upside down.

3. Slide the new ink pad into the side of the stamp from which you removed the old ink pad. Be sure to push the ink pad all the way in so that it is flush with the sides of the stamp.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you have replaced the ink pad, use the stamp a few times on a blank piece of paper to ensure that the stamp is making a clear mark. Destroy the paper after using it to test the stamp's clarity.

• Check with your retailer to ensure that the ink pad matches your state's requirements for a notary stamp.

References

• American Society of Notaries
• Notary Supplies