Kentucky Requirements for Notary Positions
Kentucky Notary Basics
The state of Kentucky is one of the few in the country that does not actually require either a stamp or seal for the notary public position. Any documents that need to be notarized by a notary within the state are not required to have the image but it is not uncommon for a notary to authenticate a document that will be taken out of the state. Since most states require the use of the stamp or seal there are provisions made in their regulations for those who want to have these tools on hand.
Regardless of whether your state has a long list of detailed requirements or is very general and flexible in the guidelines, it is necessary to be familiar with the boundaries of the position. This helps the individual to purchase the tools that they need in order to fulfill a professional and respected position to the best of their ability.
Lax Laws Don't Mean You Should Be Uninformed
The Kentucky notary public stamp or seal must have the notary’s name as it appears on their certificate along with either “Notary Public – State at Large” or “Notary Public – Special Commission”. The commission number and expiration date may also be included but are not mandatory on the image and the seal is usually sized at a diameter of 1-5/8”. There are no regulations limiting the size and shape so the rectangular format may also be used. For more clarification on special commissions, the notary should check their state board's website but the basic definition affects the use of the stamp when out of state.
It is important to know this information so that you can use it when necessary and in the correct way to ensure that all documentation is handled correctly and accurately. Commissioned individuals need to follow through on the process requirements and application fee. They can then order the stamp and/or seal once they have their certificate in hand. The wording is special due to the circumstances that are outlined in this state’s regulations so when you place the order ensure that the vendor has the correct format and setup in place. You can ask for a proof image before the stamp goes to production to validate that everything is set accordingly.
