What part of a document is signed and stamped by a notary?

Most legal documents indicate where a notary stamp is needed with an "L.S." The raised indentation or printed stamp must not compromise any written language of the document.

L.S. is an abbreviation for "locus sigilli" which means "place of the seal" in Latin. If the document does not feature an L.S., the stamp or indentation is typically placed near the petitioner's signature on the document. There may also be a designated line for the notary to sign, or the notary may need to attach a signed certificate to the document.

Notary laws vary from state to state. Some states require an inked rubber stamp, while others use a metal embosser that impresses a raised seal on the paper.