Can I notarize a document with a reserved section left blank?

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Is it OK to notarize a document when a “for office use only” section is still blank? — K. S., New Mexico

New Mexico requires the document to be completed before you can notarize it. However, sections labeled for specific individuals or entities may be left blank so the designated person may complete them later. All the sections for your signer should be completed at the time of notarization.

For additional information and guidelines on how Notaries should handle blank spaces on documents in different states, please see our article “Can I notarize a document with blank spaces?”

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 consultants 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.

5 Comments

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Norma Maldonado

21 Aug 2024

I am going to notarize a document for a person who is in prison in California. His ID EXPIRED ON 11/02/2022. In the Notary book, will it be enough to put the data of his prison registration number? Or what document do I need from my client? Thank you

National Notary Association

22 Aug 2024

Hello. You may accept the following forms of identification from a signer during a notarization, provided they are current or issued within the past 5 years: A California driver’s license or non-driver's ID; A U.S. passport (or passport card); An inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (if the inmate is in custody in prison); or Effective January 1, 2015, any form of inmate identification issued by a sheriff’s department (if the inmate is in custody in a local detention facility). You may also accept the following identification is acceptable provided it includes an identifying number and the photograph, signature and physical description of the bearer and they are current or issued in the past five years: Effective January 1, 2017, a valid consular identification document issued by a consulate from the applicant’s country of citizenship; A driver’s license or official non-driver's ID issued by a U.S. state; A Canadian or Mexican driver’s license issued by an appropriate public agency; A U.S. military ID; Effective January 1, 2017, a valid foreign passport from the applicant’s country of citizenship; An employee ID issued by an agency or office of a California city, county, or city and county; or Effective January 1, 2017, an identification card issued by a federally-recognized tribal government. If the signer cannot provide any of the forms of identification above, you would have to use the oath or affirmation of one credible witness personally known to the you and identified through statutorily prescribed ID cards or the oath or affirmation of two credible witnesses not personally known to you who are identified through statutorily prescribed ID cards.

Herb. Hickey

19 Aug 2024

Can a Legally Blind,seeing eye dog escorted Man, in the State of NY. Legally notarize documents, and WHY is a Licensed Notary allowed to Maintain such certification.

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.

SHEENA COCHRANE

15 Aug 2024

Within the document I'd attach a loose certificate to acknowledge the pages within the document and included the pages identify as part of the acknowledgement within the notary journal.

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