Key Takeaways
- Every notarial act requires a notarial certificate
- The certificate documents what the notary did and when
- Certificates must include specific required information
- Different notarial acts require different certificate wording
- Never sign a certificate until the notarial act is complete
Last updated: January 2026
Notarial Certificates
A notarial certificate is the written statement that documents a notarial act. It provides evidence of what the notary did and is essential for the legal validity of the notarization.
Purpose of the Certificate
The notarial certificate serves to:
| Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
| Document the act | Records what type of notarial act was performed |
| Identify the signer | Names the person who appeared |
| Establish date/place | Shows when and where act occurred |
| Authenticate | Notary's signature and seal validate the act |
| Provide evidence | Creates legal record of the notarization |
Required Elements of a Certificate
Every notarial certificate must contain:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Venue | State and county where act is performed |
| Date | Date of the notarial act |
| Body | Description of the act performed |
| Signer's Name | Name of person appearing |
| Notary's Signature | Notary's official signature |
| Notary's Printed Name | Legible name of notary |
| Commission Expiration | When notary's commission expires |
| Notary's Seal | Official rubber stamp seal |
Venue Statement
The venue indicates where the notarial act occurred:
State of New Jersey
County of [County Name]
Important: The venue must accurately reflect where the notarization takes place, not where the document will be used or where the signer lives.
Certificate Wording by Act Type
Acknowledgment Certificate
State of New Jersey
County of _______________
On this ___ day of ____________, 20___, before me personally appeared
_________________________, known to me (or proved to me on the basis
of satisfactory evidence) to be the person whose name is subscribed
to the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that he/she/they
executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity, and that by
his/her/their signature on the instrument, the person, or the entity
upon behalf of which the person acted, executed the instrument.
_______________________________
Notary Public of New Jersey
My Commission Expires: __________
Jurat Certificate
State of New Jersey
County of _______________
Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me on this ___ day of
____________, 20___, by _________________________, who is personally
known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence
to be the person who appeared before me.
_______________________________
Notary Public of New Jersey
My Commission Expires: __________
Common Certificate Errors to Avoid
| Error | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong venue | Doesn't reflect where act occurred | Use correct county |
| Missing date | Incomplete record | Always include date |
| Blank spaces | Invites fraud | Fill in or line through blanks |
| Wrong certificate type | Doesn't match act performed | Use correct form |
| Undated signature | Unclear when notarized | Date your signature |
On the Exam
Expect 3-4 questions on certificates:
- Required elements: Venue, date, signature, seal, expiration
- Venue: Where act occurs, not where document is used
- Certificate types: Different wording for different acts
- Completion: Fill all blanks before signing
Test Your Knowledge
What does the "venue" in a notarial certificate indicate?
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B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which certificate wording indicates a jurat was performed?
A
B
C
D