A lady signer needs a form notarized, acknowledging that she is still alive. The form is from another country and concerns a pension she gets. Can I just complete an acknowledgment and attach it to the form? — D.B., Hilmar, CA

If the signer is making the statement that she is alive you may notarize the customer’s signature. The signer must tell you whether she wants you to perform an acknowledgment or a jurat, though.

However, if the document requires you — in your capacity as Notary — to certify that the customer is alive, you may not notarize the signature because California law does not allow you to make this certification. Instead, refer the signer to a consulate from the country that issued the document for further assistance.

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 counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.