If a signer brings only the 9th page of a nine-page document that needs to be notarized, should I complete the notarization, or refuse it? — J. H. California

If the document requires an acknowledgment or proof of execution, you should refuse the notarization. All pages in a document must be present or else it is an incomplete document. The law specifically requires documents requiring acknowledgments or proofs be complete. The signer would need to bring in all the pages of the document for you to notarize it. While the rule about incomplete documents doesn’t apply specifically to documents requiring a jurat, the NNA recommends that you refuse to notarize an incomplete document with a jurat certificate as well.

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.