Idaho Notary Stamp Requirements

Ordering the wrong notary stamp is one of the most expensive mistakes Idaho notaries make. A non-compliant stamp means county recorders reject your documents, title companies refuse your notarizations, and you're paying for a replacement before you've done a single act. Idaho Code § 51-117 and § 51-118 set strict rules on dimensions, format, and required text — and the vendors who make cheap stamps don't always get them right.

Here's what the state actually requires.

Stamp Dimensions

Idaho allows two stamp shapes, each with maximum size limits:

Rectangular stamps:

• Maximum 2.25 inches wide × 1 inch tall
• Must have a serrated or milled border

Circular stamps:

• Maximum 1.75 inches in diameter
• Must have a serrated or milled border

Most Idaho notaries use rectangular stamps because they fit more easily alongside signature lines and in tight certificate spaces. Circular stamps work fine but can crowd smaller documents.

Required Stamp Text

Your stamp must include these elements:

• Your full name, exactly as it appears on your commission certificate
• "Notary Public"
• "State of Idaho"
• Your commission number

Optional but common: your commission expiration date. Including it helps document recipients verify your active status without contacting the state, and some title companies and lenders prefer it.

What Your Stamp Cannot Include

Idaho law is specific about what stays off the stamp:

• County names — your commission is statewide, not county-specific
• State seals or official emblems — only the Secretary of State uses those
• Custom logos or graphics — the stamp is a legal instrument, not a brand
• Titles beyond "Notary Public" — don't add "Signing Agent," "Loan Closer," or other credentials

Adding prohibited elements to your stamp can trigger document rejections.

Inked Stamp vs. Embosser

Idaho requires an inked stamp that makes a photographically reproducible impression. This is non-negotiable — the stamp impression must be visible on photocopies and scanned documents.

Embossers (the kind that press a raised seal into paper) are not prohibited, but they cannot serve as your primary stamping device. If you want an embosser for added security against tampering, use it alongside your inked stamp, never instead of it.

When to Order

Timing matters: do not order your stamp until you have your Commission Certificate in hand. The certificate contains your exact commission name, commission number, and term dates. Ordering before you receive it means guessing at these details, and any discrepancy will make the stamp non-compliant.

Stamp vendors typically deliver within 3 to 7 business days. Budget this into your timeline if you're trying to start notarizing by a specific date.

Choosing a Vendor

The Secretary of State doesn't endorse specific stamp vendors, but any manufacturer that produces stamps conforming to Idaho Code specifications works. A few considerations:

• Verify dimensions before ordering — some national vendors default to another state's specs
• Provide your commission certificate — reputable vendors will ask for a copy to ensure accuracy
• Compare pricing — basic compliant rectangular stamps run $15 to $25. Package deals from national notary associations that bundle stamps with bonds and journals often mark up individual items significantly

If your commission name changes (marriage, legal name change), you must file a change form with the Secretary of State and order a new stamp reflecting the updated name. Your old stamp becomes non-compliant the moment the name change is processed.

For a stamp compliance checklist and vendor comparison — plus the full bond-to-stamp commissioning sequence — the Idaho Notary Commission Guide covers the complete process.

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