We are pleased to provide this information concerning the requirements for producing notary public seals for use in California. Persons not complying with these requirements are subject to civil penalties of $1,500 for each violation of law.

Only persons issued a permit by this office can legally produce notary public seals regardless of type or location of the manufacturer. Manufacturers issued a permit are assigned a code that must be included as an integral part of each notary public seal produced. Other notary public seal characteristics and elements are prescribed in California statutes.

For purposes of this law, a manufacturer is defined as any person who produces or fabricates and assembles component parts of notary public seals and does not for these purposes include individuals, companies or other entities which only place or transmit orders for notary public seals rather than produce or manufacture them.

Listed for your information and use are: Procedures and Guidelines for the Issuance of Notary Public Seals, Government Code Section 8207 et seq., and an Application to Produce or Manufacture Notary Public Seals. If you wish to become an authorized manufacturer, complete the application and submit it to this office, together with the $50.00 application processing fee, made payable to the "Secretary of State". In addition, please provide a photographic sample of a seal that contains the required elements and meets the size specifications under Government Code section 8207. You may use "XXX1" as a generic identification number. If you are applying to manufacture an electronic seal, please provide a description of the process that will be used to meet the requirements set forth in the guidelines. A demonstration of your process may be required. Once we have seen and approved your seal, you will be issued an identification number via facsimile letter, with original letter to follow in the mail.

If you have any questions concerning this process, the law or the procedures and guidelines, please contact the Notary Public Section by telephone, (916) 653-3595, or by FAX, (916) 653-9580.