Do I Need To Attach Additional Information When Notarizing A Grant Deed?

When notarizing a grant deed, does a legal description need to be either attached or typed in the body of the document? — C.S., California

You are not responsible for the contents of the document except to review the document for blank spaces. If there is a space for the legal description in the body of the document, that space may not be left blank. Either the legal description or a notation, such as, “See Exhibit A” must be typed into that space and that exhibit with the legal description must be attached.

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.

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Chad

11 Sep 2017

I am a notary in California. I know that I cannot sign or seal an acknowledgment form ahead of time and that I cannot fill in the signer's information. I have 2 questions" 1) Is it legal to prefill some of the generic information on the acknowledgment form (city, my name and title, strike through unused words/prefixes, etc.)? 2) If so, can I make myself a template that is already typed in to use when the situation aligns (making a form for an individual signer who is a male)? Thanks for the help.

National Notary Association

18 Sep 2017

Hello. There is nothing prohibiting you from filling in information in advance if appropriate. However, please remember that you should never sign your name or affix your seal ahead of time and should not provide unattached, signed and sealed certificate wording to another person.

melissa mayfield

12 Dec 2017

Very helpful info. Thank you

ALTAGRACIA A URREA

25 Apr 2018

doe the notary seal and notary's signature have to be on the grant deed instead of a separate acknowledgment page?

Hello. The standard guideline is that the Notary is required to place their signature and seal on the Notary certificate. So if the document has no pre-printed wording, no seal or signature should be affixed; if there is pre-printed certificate wording and there is no room for the seal, the Notary must attached a certificate. If a loose certificate is used it is the only piece of paper that should have the seal image and signature.

Jon Cropsey

12 Dec 2020

Would a grant deed that has a notary stamp but no signatures on it be an illegal document that can never be used?

14 Dec 2020

Hello. Any questions about the legal validity of a deed would need to be answered by a qualified attorney.

pamkeys88@aol.com

16 Sep 2021

Interspousal transfer deed (California) If the wording below appears in this deed - would Exhibit A - need to be attached - in order for me notorize legally? see below "the real property in the City of Tustin, County of Orange, State of California, described as: LEGAL DESCRIPTION ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A" AND MADE A PART HEREOF Also Known as:" address here

17 Sep 2021

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.

I am a Mississippi notary - set to notarize an "interspousal transfer grant deed" tomorrow. The property is in California. Should an EXHIBIT A be attached - if the deed has the following wording??? see below: the real property in the City of Tustin, County of Orange, State of California, described as: LEGAL DESCRIPTION ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A" AND MADE A PART HEREOF Also Known as: the address is here. Is it unlaw for me to notirize this without the EXHIBIT A attached? Please advise.. Pamela

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