If an incorrect date is filled in on a Notary certificate that is presented to me, can I line through the incorrect date and correct it? — A.P., California
Yes, provided that the document signer and you are still in each other’s physical presence. If the date is incorrect in the notary certificate you would just line through it, enter the correct date and initial the correction. If the signer has left your presence, the signer must reappear before you and you must perform a new notarization.
According to the Secretary of State’s Newsletter for 2015, the law does not allow a Notary to correct a completed notarial act. If you discover an error after completing the act, then notarize the signature on the document again. That includes meeting all requirements for notarization, including completing and attaching a certificate with the date of the new notarial act and completing a new journal entry.
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, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.