If this baby could talk. Sad to say that the embossing notary stamp is going the way of the buggy whip. A new law concerning Rhode Island notaries took effect on January 1st, or so I have learned from a notice I just found in a pile of super duper important documents. Among other changes is this concerning the stamp:
Every RI Notary will be required to have a notary stamp. . . Embossing seals do not photo copy and will no longer be an acceptable notary stamp. the notary stamp must be an inked device.
I don’t know how I feel about this. The Ideal No.1 is such a finely tooled instrument, with its satisfying slide lock action that never once failed me. It has become an extension of my arm. I don’t know if people will take me seriously any more. An ink stamper just doesn’t have the heft . . . the autoritah!
Read all about it at the Uniform Law on Notarial Acts, RI General Laws § 42-30.1.
So far I’m not seeing where it says I couldn’t use both stamps if I wanted. And I see that the general assembly has carved out an exception for itself . . . we don’t need no stinking badges. From § 42-30.1-13:
(3) This section shall not preclude a notarial officer who is a member of the general assembly in this state from notarizing a document without the use of a stamp on the floor of the general assembly during open session.
Like that time around 2:30 a.m. on the final day of the session when you thought you had thrown it in your back pocket only to pull out a hip flask.
You can obtain your self-inking notary stamp from a business supply retailer, in-store or online. Or you can resign your commission.