Hotline Tip: Judicial Districts On Trust Deeds

I was asked to notarize a deed of trust that contained a blank space where the judicial district was supposed to be printed. The signer said it always appears this way, but I was under the impression that there should be no blank spaces in documents. Should I perform or reject this notarization? – A.M., Anchorage, AK

If you were referring to what is called the “venue” of the notarial certificate, the “judicial district” or the county or municipality must be included on that document in order to perform the notarization. In other words, the State of Alaska and Third Judicial District, for example, would be the venue of the notarization if performed in the Third Judicial District.

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.