A customer collected a retirement benefit from France, and they need a Certificate of Life notarized. The document is in English and French. Does Indiana allow a Certificate of Life to be notarized? — S.A., Indiana
Certificate of Life documents come in various formats. With some, you may be able to assist your customer, but with others, you may not. If the individual is signing a statement that he/she is alive, you may notarize their signature. However, depending on how it’s drafted, you might need to attach a notarial certificate that meets your state requirements. The signer must instruct you which to attach.
If the document requires you, in your capacity as Notary, to certify that the customer is alive, you may not notarize the document. Your state's notarial laws do not allow you to make this certification. Instead, refer the signer to a consulate from the country that issued the document for further assistance.
If you are a member or subscribe to our Hotline, we suggest you call in. The Hotline staff will ask you to take a photo of the document and send it to them to look at. They will be able to tell you whether you can notarize it.
Below is a link to information available on our website regarding notarizing a Certificate of Life –
FAQ: Notarizing Proof of Life Documents.
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 consultants to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.