Legal Requirements
What happens if a notary makes a mistake?
Quick Answer
The notary must correct the error by reperforming the notarial act or issuing a corrected certificate. The original parties may need to re-sign the document.
Notary errors can range from minor clerical issues to significant procedural mistakes. Here is how they are typically resolved:
Minor errors (misspelling, wrong date, certificate wording):
- The notary can often issue a corrected notarial certificate
- The notary draws a single line through the error, makes the correction, and initials the change
- White-out or erasures are never permitted on notarial certificates
Major errors (wrong notarial act, identity verification failure, missing parties):
- The entire notarization may need to be redone from scratch
- All original signers must be present for the new notarization
- The notary should document the error in their journal
Protecting yourself:
- Always review the notarial certificate before leaving your appointment
- Verify your name is spelled correctly
- Confirm the date and type of notarial act are accurate
- Ensure the notary's seal is clearly legible
If you discover an error after your appointment, contact NotaryLTD at 435-565-1333 immediately and we will help resolve it.
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