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The National Notary Bulletin

How do I complete the phrase "subscribed and sworn by (blank)"?

By NNA Staff on January 30, 2023

Photo of woman with long dark hair on phone. She is looking at papers in her hand. Text on image reads NNA Hotline Tip.

I have a document which states, “subscribed and sworn to me by (Blank) ” What should go in the blank space? — S.P., Indiana

The name of the document signer who signed the document in your presence and took an oath or affirmation that you administered as part of the notarial act. This type of notarial act is called a verification upon oath or affirmation.

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.

7 Comments

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Ronald J. Grant

06 Feb 2023

I realize that it is not in the best economic interest of the NNA, but I am letting my Commission expire after many years. I find it ridiculous after being a Notary for over 30 years that I have to take a course and test every 4 years and have my fingerprints taken. I am former service member, an attorney and have had numerous security clearances, believe me they have my finger prints. It is all too much trouble. The law should be changed.

Lipson Edmond

08 Mar 2023

I wish to take the class again, just to keep up to date.

Esther SeymourOlade

23 Mar 2023

I agree with Atty Ronald Grant one should not have to repeat the same process every four years. Most professional such as Chartered Accountants are not required to take the exams of their profession again. That is why we have continued education classes to keep you afresh in the profession.

Karen J. Ellis

20 Dec 2023

I agree with Atty Ronald Grant, having been a notary for over 30 years and I have never had to take a continuing education course to keep my notary valid. We pay when we apply to become a notary and to have to pay to comply with some law is asking too much. I will take it this time because my notary seal is still valid for another year or two. I may not renew it because of this law.

K J. Schettler

20 Dec 2023

To Mr Grant: With that attitude you don't need to be a notary. I have taken multiple classes on notarization procedure and review courses annually, over 12 years. I always learn something new, new pitfalls and areas to be concerned about. I saw enough commissioned notaries in my classes who had no idea what they were doing let alone the legal components of their actions. Some documents we could "do in our sleep" but there is always a document that presents itself needing careful attention.

Roberta Able

27 Jan 2024

How do I complete the phrase "subscribed and sworn to before me at (blank)" County of Oklahoma

National Notary Association

29 Jan 2024

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.

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