Key Takeaways
- Errors in notarial certificates can sometimes be corrected
- Only the original notary should correct their own certificate
- Minor clerical errors are the most common corrections
- Corrections must be made honestly and transparently
- Some errors cannot be corrected after the fact
When Corrections Are Needed
You just completed a notarization and the signer has left. As you review your journal, you notice you wrote the wrong date on the notarial certificate. Or perhaps you misspelled the signer's name. What do you do?
Errors happen, even to careful notaries. Understanding when and how to correct them—and when correction is not possible—is essential for maintaining the integrity of your notarial acts.
Types of Errors
Notarial errors generally fall into two categories:
Minor Clerical Errors
These are mistakes in the certificate that do not affect the substance of the notarization:
| Error Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Typographical | Misspelling of signer's name |
| Date errors | Wrong date on the certificate |
| Missing information | Omitted county or state |
| Commission details | Wrong commission number or expiration |
| Venue errors | Incorrect county of notarization |
Substantive Errors
These involve fundamental problems with the notarization itself:
| Error Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Wrong notarial act | Performed acknowledgment instead of jurat |
| Identity failure | Did not properly verify signer's identity |
| Signer not present | Certificate signed without signer's presence |
| Unauthorized act | Notarized a document type outside authority |
| Expired commission | Performed act after commission expired |
Key Distinction: Minor clerical errors can often be corrected. Substantive errors typically cannot be corrected—the entire notarization may need to be re-executed.
When Errors Are Discovered
| Timing | Options |
|---|---|
| Before signer leaves | Correct on the spot with proper procedure |
| After signer leaves | More limited correction options |
| Days or weeks later | May require supplemental certificate or re-execution |
| After document recorded | Most difficult; may require new notarization |
On the Exam
Key points tested about notarial corrections:
- Types of errors: Know the difference between clerical and substantive
- Who corrects: Only the original notary should correct their own work
- Timing matters: Corrections are easier before the signer leaves
- Substantive errors: Usually require re-execution, not correction
Which type of error can typically be corrected on a notarial certificate?
Who should correct an error on a notarial certificate?