What is required of a notary when notarizing documents in Georgia?

In Georgia, a notary is required to use either an ink stamp or an embossing seal when notarizing documents. This requirement ensures that the notarization is clearly marked and recognized as an official act. The ink stamp or embossing seal serves to authenticate the signature of the person who is signing the document, indicating that the notary has witnessed this signature and that the document can be trusted as a legitimate legal instrument.

This practice helps maintain a consistent standard of notarization, providing a layer of verification and security to the documents being executed. The ink stamp is often preferred for its clarity and legibility, while an embossing seal provides a tactile element to the document, which can also serve as a deterrent against forgery by making it difficult to replicate.

Other options, such as the use of a laser printer, official letterhead, or requiring only handwritten signatures, do not align with the established standards of notarial practice in Georgia. A notary’s primary focus should be on providing a reliable and accepted form of authentication for documents, which is achieved through the appropriate use of a stamp or seal.