Is attaching a paperclip onto the notarized document with the jurat or acknowledgment sufficient? I know that stapling is the most secure or preferable way to attach a loose-leaf certificate to a document. In case I am in a bind, may I use a paperclip? — E.B., California
The California Secretary of State’s office has clarified when a Notary is ‘attaching’ a certificate to a document they are notarizing, the certificate must be stapled to the document.
“Both the certificate of acknowledgment and the jurat must be endorsed on or stapled to the instrument. Taping or paper-clipping the certificate of acknowledgment or jurat to the document is not permitted” (2018 CA Notary Newsletter). The newsletter can be downloaded here.
For additional information, please see our article “When to use a separate (or loose) Notary certificate.”
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
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