Key Takeaways
- A notary seal or stamp is NOT legally required in Connecticut
- If no seal is used, you MUST print/type your name, title, and commission expiration date
- If you use a seal, it must contain your name, "Notary Public," and "Connecticut"
- The seal should be placed near (but not over) your signature
- Using a seal is highly recommended for professionalism and document acceptance
Last updated: January 2026
Seal and Stamp Requirements
No Legal Requirement
Connecticut is one of the few states that does not legally require notaries to use a seal or stamp. However, using one is highly recommended.
If You Do NOT Use a Seal
Without a seal, you MUST legibly print or type on every document you notarize:
| Required Information | Format |
|---|---|
| Your name | As it appears on your commission |
| Title | "Notary Public" |
| Commission expiration | "My Commission Expires [date]" |
These must be placed near your signature on every notarized document.
If You DO Use a Seal
State law prescribes the format for seals:
| Required Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Notary's name | As it appears on Certificate of Appointment |
| "Notary Public" | Title designation |
| "Connecticut" | State identification |
| Commission expiration | Optional but recommended |
Seal Types
| Type | Description | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Ink stamp | Rubber stamp with ink | Most common, clear impressions |
| Embosser | Raised impression | More formal, harder to photocopy |
| Combined | Both stamp and embosser | Maximum security |
Proper Seal Placement
| Guideline | Reason |
|---|---|
| Place near your signature | Associates seal with your signature |
| Do not place over your signature | Keeps both legible |
| Below signature is common | Standard placement |
| Must be legible | Clear impression required |
Important: Sign your name exactly as it appears on your Certificate of Appointment and notary seal.
Lost or Stolen Seals
If your seal is lost or stolen:
| Action | Detail |
|---|---|
| Report to police | File a local report |
| Notify Secretary of State | Email bsd@ct.gov |
| Get new seal | With your commissioned name |
| Purpose | Creates record to protect against fraud |
Name Changes
If your legal name changes:
- Pay the $15 fee when invoiced
- Receive updated Certificate of Appointment
- Obtain a new seal reflecting your new legal name
- Destroy the old seal
Why Use a Seal (Even Though Optional)
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | Looks more official |
| Acceptance | Some institutions prefer sealed documents |
| Convenience | Faster than writing all information |
| Authenticity | Harder to forge than handwriting |
| Out-of-state use | Other states may expect a seal |
Test Your Knowledge
What must a Connecticut notary do if they choose NOT to use a seal?
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Test Your Knowledge
What elements must be included on a Connecticut notary seal if one is used?
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D