What is the difference between seals and stamps?

This question is one the most popular among the visitors of online custom stamp creator and similar services. 

Reading this article you'll find the answer and learn some interesting facts about seals and stamps. 

History 

The history of seals and stamps began in the time of ancient civilizations. The first types of them were used for the identification and approval of documents.

The very first seals appeared in Mesopotamia around 3500 BC. These were cylindrical seals that were carved from stone, such things were applied to approve documents and protect goods. 

In Europe seals were first used in ancient Rome at the end of the fourth century. They were also applied on documents and goods and could have a variety of shapes — round, oval, triangular, almond-like, pear-like or even heart-shaped. 

Stamps as tools for a quick marking of documents appeared later — around the XVII–XVIII centuries. The development of trade process and industry required quick certification of many papers. Stamps have become a convenient solution.

Layout and scope of application

Usually the design of seals and stamps have some differences. Let's look at them. 

First of all, these two types of devices differ in shape. 

Seals are most often round. 

Stamps can be square, triangular, rectangular, oval and have other shapes.  

A number of details are also worth mentioning.

A seal usually contains a rather complex image of a logo or other emblem, the name of an organization, sometimes an address, and other elements. As a rule, the size of a professional seal is bigger than the size of a stamp. So, it is hard to remove a seal. 

A small stamp includes a minimum number of details. As a rule, they often emboss some specific information or instructions.

Both seals and stamps can be seen in office desk and are used in various fields.  Here are just some of them: 

1. Paper flow management. Companies and government agencies certify documents with seals. 
2. Registration of personal papers. For example, relevant authorities put a stamp about marriage, the birth of children or a change of citizenship in the passport. 
3. Medical practice. Doctors use special seals to confirm their conclusions. 
4. Other operations. Migration stamps are applied when crossing a border. 

Seals are more often used for government, notary and important financial and economic documents. They certify the signature of the drafter of the paper and identify the company as a legal entity. 

Stamps are applied on documents of everyday character that do not require high legal significance. These may be internal papers of a company, applications, work completion certificates, and others.

The choice between a seal and a stamp depends on the specific needs of the organization and the sphere of usage of the document.

Digital seals and stamps 

Nowadays, digital stamp or seal

are among the most widespread ones. And its popularity grows day by day. The impressions of digital seals and stamps look almost the same as those made with rubber ones. 

So, what's the difference between digital seals and stamps? 

Stamps contain minimum information, they can cover different parts of a document. They are used for convenience when the same information needs to be duplicated on many sheets.  

Creating a layout for digital or rubber printing is not difficult at all. You just need to go to the website stamp-creator.com. A large library of layouts allows everyone to quickly select the appropriate variant of design for each situation. 

Juridical aspect

The difference between seals and stamps in the legal aspect is the following:

• A seal has more force and regard according to regulation. It confirms the authenticity and identity of a document to prevent forgery. It is the seal and signature that are mandatory elements when concluding contracts, transactions, and agreements. The stamped paper is absolutely reliable. A legal entity is required to have its own seal, while a stamp is an optional element, and you can choose it according to your taste.
• A stamp has no legal power stated by the law. It is used for internal document management, simplification of work with papers and time saving. This print can be applied to replace the name of an organization, its details, the resolutions "Paid", "The copy is correct", etc. 

Conclusion 

Let's review all the main information of this article. 

Seals are more complex and detailed devices. They confirm the authenticity of a document, give it an official status and a legal force. A legal entity must have its own seal, while a stamp is an optional element, you shouldn't register it. 

On the contrary, a stamp has a clear design. The main purpose of the stamp is to provide a quick and convenient way to apply repetitive information. 

Using the intuitive Stamp creator tools, you can effortlessly develop a seal or a stamp layout of any complexity. 

Stamps are most often used in less formal situations: to leave the date, indicate the outgoing document number, marks of acceptance to consider, and for other standard procedures.