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Can I use my state's Notary wording instead of an out-of-state certificate?

I was presented with a document that includes a California acknowledgment certificate. As an Ohio Notary, can I complete a separate certificate with Ohio notarial wording on it and attach it to the document instead?M.J., Ohio

Yes. Many Notaries outside California are uncomfortable signing a California acknowledgment because it expressly places the Notary under penalty of perjury under the laws of California for the truthfulness of the certificate. We recommend near the Notary signature line of the California acknowledgment that you write “see attached certificate”, then complete and staple your state’s acknowledgment certificate to the document.

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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3 Comments

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malw1001@hotmail.com

04 Aug 2021

How would I be able to substitute an NC certificate when I am prohibited from recommending a certificate type?

National Notary Association

12 Aug 2021

Hello. While you are not allowed to select the type of notarization (acknowledgment, jurat, etc.) on behalf of the signer, if the signer has chosen what type of notarization they wish, you may complete and attach appropriate certificate wording for their requested notarial act.

Rosemary E Wylde

04 Aug 2021

"A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document" This is the wording of the CA Ack Disclaimer - it protects the Notary from documents that may not be accurate or un-true

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