What is the best way to ensure that a loose certificate won’t be fraudulently removed and attached to another document?
Because there is no absolute protection against fraudulent removal, it’s always preferable to fill out Notary certificate language that is preprinted or typed right on a document rather than to staple a “loose” certificate to it.
However, there are precautions Notary can take to make removal of a loose certificate more difficult.
1) Emboss the certificate and document together and label “Attached documents bears embossment” on the certificate
2) Write a brief description of the document on the certificate, perhaps in the margin, so it is easily identifiable
Notaries should consult state laws regarding loose certificates before using them.
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 (888) 876-0827, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST
