When a correction is made, specifically on a Deed of Trust, is the correction dated the same date as the original notarization or is the current date used?  The reason I ask is because the date is very important to the funding of a real estate loan. — R.G., California

The “corrected” date must be the date of a new notarization performed on the Deed of Trust. The California Secretary of State has clarified that, when a mistake in a Notary certificate is discovered after the signer and Notary have left each other’s presence, the signer and Notary must meet again, the Notary must perform a brand new notarization and the Notary must complete the Notary certificate with the current date.

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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