NOTICE: Notaries Public
Upcoming changes to the law will affect you
The Office of the Idaho Secretary of State issued a previous memo (May 2018) based on our understanding of the intent of the legislature. In that memo, we stated notaries could continue to use their current stamp until their commission expired. However, upon further review and input from the Attorney General, it has been determined that — as required by law — ALL notaries must use a stamp conforming to the new standard effective October 1, 2018. This is regardless of a notary’s current status or commission expiration date.
Below is a table comparing current stamp requirements to the requirements that will be effective October 1, 2018:
| Requirements: I.C. Sections 51-117 & 51-118 |
Current Stamp: (Prior to Oct. 1, 2018) |
New Stamp: (Oct. 1, 2018 & beyond) |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp must include the notary’s name | YES | YES |
| Stamp must include the words “Notary Public” | YES | YES |
| Stamp must include the words “State of Idaho” | YES | YES |
| Stamp must be serrated or milled edge border in circular or rectangular form | YES | YES |
| Stamp must include the notary’s state issued commission number | NO | YES |
| Stamp MAY include the words “my commission expires [date]” | NO | YES |
| Stamps in rectangular form must not exceed 2.25 inches by 1 inch | NO | YES |
| Stamps in circular form must not exceed 1.75 inches in diameter | NO | YES |
It is recommended that all notaries public purchase a new stamping device well before October 1, 2018.