Notarial Certificates

1.           May I complete certificate wording in blue ink or do I have to use black?

The Notary should use a dark colored ink such as blue or black. In rare cases, some receiving agencies may require the certificate to be filled out in a particular color; if so, the Notary may comply.

2.           Can I list two signers on one notarial certificate?

If two signers appear before the Notary at the same time, the names may appear on the same certificate. Because it is two separate notarizations, two entries must be made in the journal.

3.           The venue is completed with the wrong state and county. My signer says I can't change it. What do I do?

The document shouldn't be notarized if the Notary isn't allowed to correct the wording. The venue is part of the notarial certificate, and regardless of the type of notarization, its accuracy is the Notary's responsibility. Because the venue is supposed to indicate where the notarization was performed, if it has already been completed incorrectly, it may be corrected by lining through the error, making the correction and initialing the change.