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.