A public notary is an important part of the business community. Most business can not function with out a notary's stamp of approval at some time during their operation. That stamp of approval is very important. And where you get notary equipment is even more important.

Get your notary public supply according to your state's law, spelled out in regulations available at state websites. Many notary public companies have now done the work for you. Their websites have the supplies listed by state and by packages. The burden has been lifted by these companies to make being a notary public a little easier.

To be successful obtaining notary equipment & supplies, follow these steps:

1. Choose notary public supplies approved by your state.

2. Protect yourself in court by keeping a journal and using proper notary equipment.

3. Be prepared for the worst with notary errors and omission insurance among your arsenal of notary public equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy notary supplies to make your notarizing legal and accepted

Each state has specific requirements for notary supplies. The most important notary public supply is a notary stamp or embosser. Some jurisdictions, including Washington DC, do not allow notary public to use notary seal stamps, so an embosser is required. Some states require the stamp to be stamped in a particular manner. Following all the seal requirements is absolutely necessary for acceptance.

I recommend: Look up the notary stamps and notary embosser requirements for your state on the National Notary Association website. Determine whether notary public stamps or seals are permitted. Read a "how to" guide on notary rubber stamps requirements and take an online course at Notary.net. Purchase the correct equipment from a notary public store such as Notaries Equipment Company or Hubco.

Keep a journal, an important notary supply, according to the law in your state

A notary journal is currently required by law in 16 states. Several other states strongly urge the notary public to keep such a record among the notaries' equipment. The journal can also be a good way to record where you have and have not been in the notary world. This record can later protect you if a legal issue arises. Most lawyers who are also notary publics have a journal in the attorney notary supply.

I recommend: Choose the official journal of your state. Select the correct journal from a state specific notary store such as Notary Rotary. Next, take a course on how to properly input information into the journal to adequately protect yourself and your clients. American Notary, among other notary public suppliers, offers online courses.

Make bonds and insurance part of your notary equipment

A notary bond protects the signor of the document. That leaves the notary public open to law suits and other administrative disputes. One way to relieve some of the liability is to obtain errors and omissions insurance (E & O insurance). This insurance protects you up to the limit of the policy if you make a mistake within the policy. It should be considered part of every notary public's notary supply.

I recommend: Get an E&O insurance policy. Get a free quote from Business Insurance Now. Determine how much business you will do and what the potential liability will be. Get a policy based on the best value for the money for your circumstances. Then, read your policy. Go to Diversified Insurance Brokers for a simple "how to" guide to reading a policy.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look up the state rules in your area and make sure you are doing it right the first time in buying and using the proper notary supplies. Forming a bad habit is costly when it comes to legal documents.