For the Notary certificate wording, I have read and seen different places where this form can come from. There are certificate forms for purchase on the NNA website and other places, such as Amazon. During my training, I was under the impression it was provided as part of the loan package from the contracting company. Am I supposed to purchase these? — J. S., Maine
Your impression is correct. The Notary Signing Agent is typically presented with documents in the loan package that already include the notarial certificate wording on each document requiring notarization. Document preparation companies have legal compliance personnel check to ensure that a particular state’s notarial certificates are used.
Notaries should always be prepared for unusual circumstances. For example, some states have specific certificate requirements. Usually, this becomes an issue when the borrower is outside their state of residence and must sign loan documents. If the law in the other state where the borrower is signing documents requires strict compliance with notarial certificate forms (for example, California), Notaries will carry certificate forms that can be used on documents with incorrect or incomplete Notary certificate wording. Also, a particular notarial certificate may not provide enough room for the Notary to legibly affix their seal. Notaries may use one of their own certificates if the space provided on the document is insufficient for the Notary's seal. Additionally, when a loan signing requires multiple signers but only one signer is present, the Notary who handles the documents for one of the signers after the first has signed can attach one of their forms.
Purchasing separate notarial certificate forms is highly recommended. If you are a member of the NNA, you can download your state’s notarial certificate forms from the NNA website as a member benefit for free.
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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