The National Notary Bulletin

How Do I Notarize A 401(k) Document?

By NNA Staff on March 4, 2019

I am notarizing a 401(k) document; do I use an acknowledgment or a jurat certificate? — L.V., California

Notaries Public are prohibited from choosing or suggesting which notarial act to complete. You must leave this decision to the signer. If the signer doesn’t know, the signer can ask the agency that drafted the document or an attorney for instructions, or you can show the signer a blank acknowledgment and jurat certificate and then explain the difference between the two notarizations and let the signer choose which one you should use.

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

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

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4 Comments

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Tabitha Johnson

21 Jun 2023

Hello this will be my first notarial I want to make sure i do it correctly. How do i notarize a 401k document in NY state?

National Notary Association

30 Jun 2023

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Earl nicholson

16 Sep 2023

Hi I am making a withdrawal from my 401k . The question is does the Notary public of the state of Rhode Island ,require theNotary Public to make a separate Jurat or notarial certificate. Or just sign the form in my presence with my spouse .

National Notary Association

18 Sep 2023

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

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