Best Notary Supplies for New Notaries 2026: The Complete Starter Kit Guide

You Passed Your Notary Exam — Now What?

Congratulations — you passed your notary public exam. Whether you are in California, Texas, New York, or any other state, the hard part is behind you. But before you can perform your first notarization, you need the right supplies. Many new notaries make the mistake of waiting to order their supplies or buying the wrong items, only to discover they cannot legally notarize anything until everything is in hand.

Here is the reality most people do not realize: notary supplies are state-specific and custom-ordered. Your embosser and stamp are manufactured with your exact commission name, number, county, and expiration date. That means production time — typically 3 to 7 business days — plus shipping. If you wait until a client needs a notarization to start shopping, you will lose that business.

This guide covers the five essential supply categories every new notary needs, recommends specific products for each, and breaks down the state-specific requirements you need to know. The total cost? Under $110 for a complete professional starter kit.

The 5 Essential Notary Supply Categories

Every working notary needs supplies in these five categories:

1. Notary Embosser (Seal) — Creates a raised impression on documents
2. Notary Rubber Stamp — Your official ink seal with commission details
3. Acknowledgement & Jurat Stamps — Pre-formatted certificate stamps for the two most common notarial acts
4. Notary Journal — Your legal record of every notarization performed
5. Carrying Bag & Accessories — Secure transport for all your supplies

Some states require all five. Others require only a subset. We will cover the state-specific variations below — but even where an item is not legally required, having the complete kit makes you faster, more professional, and better protected.

Cost Breakdown: Complete Starter Kit Under $110

Before we dive into individual products, here is what you are looking at:

That is everything you need to start notarizing professionally. No overpriced "premium bundles" — just the individual items that get the job done.

State-Specific Requirements: Check Before You Buy

This is the most important section in this guide. Notary requirements vary dramatically by state. Buying the wrong supplies wastes money and delays your ability to start working. Here are the key differences you need to know:

States That Require BOTH Stamp and Embosser

California, Hawaii, and Montana are among the states that require notaries to have both a rubber stamp and an embosser. The stamp serves as the primary seal on documents, while the embosser provides a raised impression that cannot be photocopied — adding an extra layer of document security.

States Where Stamp Is the Primary Seal

New York notaries primarily use a rubber stamp as their official seal. An embosser is optional but not required. If you are a New York notary, you still need a stamp that includes your name, the words "Notary Public," your state, your county, and your commission expiration date.

States Where Either Stamp or Embosser Is Accepted

Texas and most other states accept either a rubber stamp or an embosser as your official notary seal. However, many experienced notaries recommend having both. The rubber stamp is faster for everyday use, while the embosser adds tamper-evidence since a raised seal cannot be photocopied or digitally altered.

California-Specific: Thumbprint Requirement

California notaries are required to record a thumbprint (or fingerprint) in their journal for certain documents, including:

• Deeds, quitclaim deeds, and deeds of trust affecting real property
• Powers of attorney
• Any document presented by a signer who does not have satisfactory identification

This is why the fingerprint ink pad included in the Junkin carrying bag kit is particularly valuable for California notaries. If you are a CA notary, this is not optional — it is legally required.

Texas-Specific Requirements

Texas notaries must have either a stamp or embosser (both are accepted). While Texas does not legally require a journal, the Texas Secretary of State strongly recommends keeping one. Given that a journal is your primary legal protection, skipping it would be unwise regardless of what the statute says.

Critical rule: Always check your state's Secretary of State website or notary handbook for current requirements before ordering supplies. Laws change, and this guide covers general principles — your state's specific statutes are the final authority.

1. Best Notary Embosser: ExcelMark Notary Embosser

The embosser is arguably the most iconic notary tool. It creates a raised, three-dimensional impression on paper that is physically impossible to photocopy — making it the gold standard for document authentication. When a client sees that raised seal on their document, it communicates legitimacy and professionalism in a way that ink alone cannot.

Why the ExcelMark: The ExcelMark Notary Embosser is custom-made for all 50 states and includes your commission-specific information (name, state, county, commission number, expiration date). The 1.63-inch impression diameter creates clear, readable seals even on thicker paper stock. The desk-style design requires minimal hand pressure — important when you are embossing multiple documents in a single signing session.

Key considerations when ordering:

• You will need to provide your exact commission details during the ordering process
• Double-check every character — a typo means the embosser is unusable and must be reordered
• Production takes approximately 3-5 business days before shipping
• The embosser works on standard 20-24 lb paper; for cardstock or thicker materials, apply steady, even pressure

Pros:

• Custom-made for your state's specific seal requirements
• Raised impression cannot be photocopied — superior tamper protection
• Durable metal construction — will last your entire commission term
• Desk-style design is comfortable for high-volume use
• Clear impression through multiple pages

Cons:

• Requires more force than a rubber stamp
• Not suitable as a sole seal in states that require an ink impression
• Cannot be used for digital/remote notarizations
• Must be reordered when you renew your commission

2. Best Notary Rubber Stamp: Promot Self-Inking Stamp

While the embosser creates a raised impression, the rubber stamp creates an ink impression — and in many states, this is your primary (or even sole) official seal. A good self-inking stamp is the workhorse of daily notary work: fast, consistent, and readable.

Why the Promot: The Promot Self-Inking Stamp is fully customizable with your name, county, state, and commission expiration date. The self-inking mechanism means you never need a separate ink pad — just press and go. Each ink cartridge handles hundreds of impressions, and the cartridge is refillable, so you are not constantly buying replacements.

Stamp vs. embosser — which do you actually need? Here is the quick reference:

Even if your state only requires one, most professionals carry both. The stamp is faster for routine work; the embosser adds security for high-value documents.

Pros:

• Self-inking — no separate ink pad needed
• Crisp, clean impressions every time
• Refillable ink cartridge — long-term cost savings
• Compact enough to carry in a notary bag
• Fast production and shipping

Cons:

• Ink can smudge if pressed too quickly on glossy paper
• Must be stored upright to prevent ink pooling
• Ink cartridge will need refilling after several hundred impressions
• Custom order means no same-day availability

3. Best Acknowledgement & Jurat Stamps: Marspark 2-Pack Set

Here is a time-saving secret that experienced notaries swear by: pre-formatted acknowledgement and jurat stamps. These stamps contain the standard certificate wording for the two most common notarial acts, with blank lines for you to fill in the specific details. Instead of handwriting the entire certificate text every time (which is slow and error-prone), you stamp the certificate in seconds and fill in only the variable information.

What is the difference between an acknowledgement and a jurat?

• Acknowledgement: The signer appears before you and acknowledges that they signed the document voluntarily. You verify their identity but do not need to witness the actual signing. Used for most real estate documents, contracts, and legal instruments.
• Jurat: The signer must sign the document in your presence AND take an oath or affirmation that the contents are true. You are acting as both an identity verifier and an oath administrator. Used for affidavits, sworn statements, and depositions.

Why the Marspark set: This 2-pack includes both an acknowledgement stamp and a jurat stamp in a single purchase. Both are self-inking with waterproof, oil-based ink that will not smudge or bleed through paper. The compact 1.38 x 3.35 inch size fits the standard certificate area on most documents and stores easily in any notary bag.

Why you need both: As a working notary, you will encounter both acknowledgements and jurats regularly. Having the wrong stamp (or no stamp and having to handwrite everything) slows you down and looks unprofessional. Clients expect efficiency — especially attorneys, title companies, and loan officers who send you repeat business.

Pros:

• Includes both acknowledgement and jurat stamps in one purchase
• Self-inking with waterproof oil-based ink
• Compact size fits standard document certificate areas
• Saves significant time compared to handwriting certificates
• Durable construction for daily use

Cons:

• Certificate wording may not match every state exactly — verify against your state's requirements
• Fixed format — cannot accommodate non-standard certificate language
• Not needed if your state provides pre-printed certificates on all documents
• May need separate stamps if your state uses unique wording

4. Best Notary Journal: Jarowslly 510-Entry Journal

Your notary journal is the single most important legal document you will own as a notary public. It is your permanent, chronological record of every notarization you perform — and in many states, it is legally required. More importantly, it is your primary defense if a notarization is ever challenged in court. Without a journal, you have no independent record to prove that proper procedures were followed.

Why the Jarowslly: This journal holds 510 record entries — enough for most notaries to cover their entire 4-year commission term. The 120gsm acid-free paper prevents ink bleed-through (critical when you are writing on both sides of a page), and the linen hardcover provides the durability needed for a document that must be retained for years after your commission expires.

What each journal entry should include:

• Date and time of the notarization
• Type of notarial act (acknowledgement, jurat, oath, etc.)
• Description of the document (title, number of pages, date of document)
• Signer's full name and address
• Identification method and details (driver's license number, passport number, etc.)
• Signer's signature (in the journal)
• Fee charged
• Thumbprint (required in California for certain documents)

The privacy guard feature is worth noting: it prevents signers from seeing the personal information of previous entries when they sign your journal. This is an underrated feature — signers are increasingly privacy-conscious, and a journal without a privacy guard can create uncomfortable situations.

Pros:

• 510 entries — typically enough for a full commission term
• 120gsm acid-free paper — no ink bleed, archival quality
• Privacy guard protects previous signers' information
• Linen hardcover stands up to daily use and long-term storage
• Compliant with most state record-keeping requirements
• Numbered pages for legal integrity

Cons:

• Physical journals add weight to your notary bag
• Not a replacement for electronic journals in states that allow/require them
• 510 entries may not be enough for high-volume notaries
• Must be stored securely for years after commission expires

5. Best Carrying Kit: Junkin Notary Bag, Lock & Fingerprint Kit

Your notary supplies contain your official seal of office — they must be secured at all times. An unsecured notary stamp or embosser in the wrong hands can be used to commit fraud, and you could be held liable. A locking notary bag is not just convenient storage — it is a security measure that protects both you and the public.

Why the Junkin kit: This 4-piece kit includes a waterproof locking bag, a combination lock, and two fingerprint ink pads — everything you need for secure transport and California-compliant journal entries. The bag is sized to fit a journal, stamps, embosser, pens, and identification cards, so you have everything in one organized, portable kit.

The fingerprint pads deserve special attention. California notaries are legally required to record thumbprints for certain high-value documents. But even in states where thumbprints are optional, taking a thumbprint provides an additional layer of identity verification. The National Notary Association recommends thumbprinting as a best practice in all states — and the two pads included in this kit make it effortless.

Security best practices:

• Always lock your notary bag when not in use
• Never leave your supplies in an unlocked car, desk, or common area
• Change the combination lock code periodically
• If your supplies are lost or stolen, notify your state's commissioning authority immediately
• Some states require you to file a police report if your seal is lost or stolen

Pros:

• Complete kit: bag, lock, and 2 fingerprint ink pads
• Waterproof bag protects supplies from weather and spills
• Combination lock provides security without a key to lose
• Fits all standard notary supplies (journal, stamps, embosser, pens)
• Essential for California notaries who need fingerprint capability

Cons:

• Bag is compact — may be tight for notaries with extra supplies
• Combination lock is basic (not high-security)
• Fingerprint pads will eventually dry out and need replacement
• Does not include a pen or identification guide

What to Do When Your Commission Expires

Your notary commission is not permanent — most states issue commissions for 4-year terms (some states vary). When your commission expires or you choose not to renew, you have specific legal obligations regarding your supplies:

Supplies You Must Destroy

• Rubber stamp: Cut the rubber face or deface it so it cannot create a legible impression
• Embosser: Bend or break the die plates so they cannot create a readable impression
• Reason: An active-looking notary seal in the wrong hands enables fraud. Destroying your seal is a legal requirement in most states, not just a suggestion.

Supplies You Must Keep

• Notary journal: You must retain your journal(s) for the period specified by your state law. California requires 7 years, some states require 10 years, and a few states require indefinite retention.
• Store securely: Even after your commission expires, your journal contains sensitive personal information (names, addresses, identification numbers). Keep it locked and secure.

If You Renew Your Commission

• You will need to order new stamps and embossers with your updated commission expiration date
• Your journal can continue to be used — just start a new section noting your renewed commission
• Do not use old stamps/embossers with expired dates, even if you have renewed — the impressions would show incorrect information

Ordering Timeline: When to Buy Your Supplies

Timing matters. Here is the recommended timeline for new notaries:

1. Day you receive your commission certificate: Order your custom stamp and embosser immediately. Production takes 3-7 business days.
2. Same day or next day: Order your journal, acknowledgement/jurat stamps, and carrying bag. These are not custom and ship faster.
3. While waiting for supplies: Study your state's notary handbook, review proper identification procedures, and practice with our free notary exam prep.
4. Day supplies arrive: Verify all information on your stamp and embosser is correct — check every character against your commission certificate.
5. First notarization: You are now equipped and ready. Record your first journal entry carefully and thoroughly.

Do not skip step 4. If there is a typo on your stamp or embosser — even a single incorrect character — you cannot use it. Finding this out when a client is sitting across from you is not the time to discover the problem.

Choosing Between Individual Supplies and Bundled Kits

You will see many "notary starter kit bundles" sold online, often for $150-$250+. Are they worth it? Usually not. Here is why:

Bundle pros:

• One-click ordering
• Everything arrives together
• Some bundles include state-specific items

Bundle cons:

• Typically 30-50% more expensive than buying individually
• Often include items you do not need (extra ink, extra journals, promotional materials)
• Quality of individual items varies — some bundles pair a good stamp with a cheap journal
• Less flexibility to choose the best product in each category

The five products in this guide were selected individually for quality, value, and reviews — and they total $110.82. Most comparable bundles cost $150-$200+ for similar or lower quality items. Save the difference and invest it in errors & omissions insurance if your state requires it.

Essential Accessories Beyond the Core Five

While the five supply categories above cover the essentials, here are additional items many working notaries find valuable:

• Fine-point blue or black pens: Always carry your own. Never rely on the signer having a suitable pen.
• State notary handbook: Keep a printed copy in your bag for quick reference on unusual situations.
• Identification guide: A reference for verifying driver's licenses, passports, and other IDs — helps you spot fakes.
• Loose acknowledgement and jurat certificates: Pre-printed loose certificates for documents that do not include notarial wording.
• Errors & omissions insurance: Not a physical supply, but essential protection. Many states require it, and it protects you from liability claims.

Free Notary Exam Prep Resources

Whether you are still studying or have already passed, these free resources will help you stay sharp:

• Free Notary Exam Study Guide — Comprehensive coverage of notary laws, procedures, and best practices
• Free Notary Practice Questions — Test your knowledge with realistic exam questions
• California Notary Exam Prep — State-specific guide for California notaries
• New York Notary Exam Prep — State-specific guide for New York notaries
• Texas Notary Exam Prep — State-specific guide for Texas notaries
• AI Tutor — 10 free questions per day — ask about proper identification, journal entries, or any notary scenario

The AI tutor is especially helpful for new notaries. Ask it questions like "What should I do if a signer does not have a valid ID?" or "Walk me through the steps for performing a jurat" and it will give you step-by-step guidance based on notary best practices.

Final Checklist: Your Complete New Notary Starter Kit

Before you perform your first notarization, confirm you have everything:

• Commission certificate — received from your state and verified
• Notary embosser — custom-ordered, information verified against commission certificate
• Notary stamp — custom-ordered, information verified against commission certificate
• Acknowledgement stamp — for the most common notarial act
• Jurat stamp — for sworn statements and affidavits
• Notary journal — ready for your first entry
• Locking carrying bag — supplies secured and organized
• Fingerprint ink pad — essential for California, recommended for all states
• Fine-point pens — blue or black ink, at least two
• State notary handbook — printed or bookmarked for quick reference
• Surety bond — filed with your state if required
• E&O insurance — active policy if required or recommended by your state

Total investment for the core five supplies: $110.82. That is less than what most notaries charge for a single loan signing appointment. Your supplies pay for themselves after your first job.

free notary exam prepFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor