Not All Notary Certificates Are Created Equal

As a Washington State notary, one of the most frequent issues I run into is paperwork that is missing a notary certificate or includes confusing notarial wording. It may seem like a small detail, but certificate wording is a legal requirement and critical for your document to be valid.

If you are preparing for a notarization, here are a few important things you should know.

What if there is no notary certificate on the document?

Before I can notarize a document, we need to determine the type of notarization required. I cannot legally decide this for you, but I can explain your options. For example, you may need an acknowledgment or a jurat. If you are unsure, the agency requesting the document or an attorney should be able to guide you.

Can I just stamp the document without certificate wording?

No. I can only use my notary seal on a document that includes a properly completed notarial certificate. If your document does not include one, I can attach the appropriate Washington-approved certificate after the type of notarization is confirmed.

What if your document has certificate wording from another state?

In many cases, I can use certificate language from another state, as long as it does not conflict with Washington State law. If the wording does not meet requirements, I will make any needed adjustments to ensure the notarization is legally valid in Washington.

Can I fix errors on a notary certificate?

That depends on when the error is discovered. If I catch it during the appointment while you are still present, I can correct it, make notes, and initial the changes. If it is found after the notarization is complete, we will need to redo the notarization with a new certificate.

Remember, my job is not just to stamp your document. My job is to protect the integrity of your paperwork, follow state law, and make sure everything is completed properly the first time. If your document is missing required information, has unclear wording, or needs clarification, I am happy to guide you through what is needed.

When in doubt, ask questions. It is always better to be overprepared than risk a rejected or invalid document.

✨ GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES

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