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Incomplete Documents


My co-worker wanted me to notarize a document that had blanks because it was going to be completed later at his attorney’s office. Can I notarize his signature?

No. When a document contains blank spaces, inform the signer that he cannot acknowledge to the notary public that he signed the document for the reasons stated therein, or he cannot swear that the statements are true.

I notarized a document that had an additional line for my signature on the second page that I did not previously see. Now I am being asked to sign the second page without the entire original document. Don’t I need the entire document before I sign?

If the signature line on the second page is part of a notarial certificate, you may not execute the notarial certificate on the second page without the document in its entirety and without the parties named in the document personally appearing before you at the time of the execution of the notarial certificate. If the second page only contains a signature line without a notarial certificate, you may not affix your official signature on the second page. A notary public may not merely affix his official signature and seal on any document without a notarial certificate.

Legal disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. We do not claim to be attorneys and we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss, or consequential loss, out of or in connection with the use of the information contained on any of the American Association of Notaries website pages. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their state’s notary authorities or attorneys if they have legal questions.