Whether handwritten or typed, does notarial certificate wording have to be an attachment to the document, or could a stamp with the notarial certificate language be used on the presented document instead? — K. J., Arizona
No, the notarial certificate does not need to be a form you attach to the document and yes, you could make a stamp with notarial certificate language and stamp it on the document.
One benefit of using a stamp instead of attaching a certificate form to the document is the “stamped” wording would not have to contain a description of the record required for attached certificate forms (ARS 41-264.F).
If you decide to use a stamp, make sure to have stamps made for all the notarial certificate wording — acknowledgment, verification on oath or affirmation, signature witnessing, and copy certification — you may be asked to complete. And you will want to make the stamps in 10-point type so that any documents you notarize will be accepted by an Arizona county recorder (ARS 11-480).
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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