Quick answer: Public Limited and Section 8 Companies use the same three-stamp set as a PVT. LTD. Company: a Director stamp, an Authorised Signatory stamp and a round seal. The only difference is the name. A public Company's name ends in "Limited"; a Section 8 Company may end in words such as "Foundation", "Forum" or "Association" instead of "Limited". Engrave the name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Incorporation.
Public Limited Company stamp format
| Stamp | Line 1 | Line 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Director | ABC INDUSTRIES LIMITED | Director |
| Authorised Signatory | ABC INDUSTRIES LIMITED | Authorised Signatory |
| Round seal | Company Name around the edge | |
Public Companies often have several directors and more frequent board-approved documents, so a second Authorised Signatory stamp for the accounts team is common.
Section 8 Company stamp format
| Stamp | Line 1 | Line 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Director | SEVA EDUCATION FOUNDATION | Director |
| Authorised Signatory | SEVA EDUCATION FOUNDATION | Authorised Signatory |
| Round seal | Company Name around the edge | |
Section 8 Companies sign donation receipts, grant agreements and CSR documents regularly. Funders and banks compare the stamp with registration certificates, so the name must match exactly.
Do these Companies need a Common Seal?
No. A Common Seal has been optional for all Companies since 2015, unless the Articles of Association require one. Read Common Seal Rules Under the Companies Act.
Order your set
Also see Rubber Stamps for NGOs, Trusts & Societies.
Frequently asked questions
Should a Section 8 Company stamp mention 'Section 8'?
No. Use the registered name only. 'Section 8' describes the licence, not the name.
Can a trust or society use the same stamp format?
Yes — replace 'Director' with the role used in your trust deed or bye-laws, such as Trustee, President or Secretary.
Do public Companies need more stamps than private Companies?
The set is the same. Larger teams often order an extra Authorised Signatory stamp.
Should the 12A or 80G number go on the stamp?
Keep the 12A or 80G number off the signature stamps. Print registration numbers on receipts and letterheads instead.