Hotline Tip: How To Perform A 'Re-Acknowledgement'

I completed a notarization for a signer, after which the signer needed to make some slight alterations to the document. The signer then asked me to perform a second notarization on the updated document. What is the correct procedure to do so?

Essentially you must complete an entirely new notarial act. The document with the changes must be returned to you and all signers must reappear before you to acknowledge that they made the changes. (They don’t have to re-sign.) The signers should initial and date each change made to the original document. In Hawaii, a Notary must additionally place the Notary’s initials in the margin of the document opposite each interlineation, erasure or change. You must also complete and attach a new notarial certificate. In states where a Notary journal is required, you must also complete a new entry.

Keep in mind, you must never just send a new acknowledgment certificate by itself, as it could be attached to an unauthorized document without your knowledge.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. — The Editors

Kelle Clarke is a Contributing Editor with the National Notary Association.

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