--- title: "What Is a Notarial Certificate? Meaning & Example | MCC" description: "The part of a document where the notary states what act was performed, when, where and for whom. Plain-English definition with a worked example." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/glossary/notarial-certificate" --- Notary glossary # What is a notarial certificate? The part of a document where the notary states what act was performed, when, where and for whom. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## In plain English It includes the venue, date, the signer's name and the notary's signature and seal. Different acts use different wording. Building a notary business? [The loan signing agent course](/courses/loan-signing-agent). A missing or incomplete certificate is a common reason a document is rejected, so check it is filled in, signed and sealed before the paperwork leaves the table. ## Why it matters The certificate is what the receiving office actually reads. A missing date, a blank county or a seal stamped over the wording can make an otherwise valid signing useless, and the signer may need to find a notary and sign again. For notaries, an accurate certificate is the record that protects them. It must describe only what really happened at the table. ## Worked example A document arrives with no certificate. The notary attaches a loose certificate with the correct wording and notes it on the document. ## What to do - Look for preprinted certificate wording on the document before the appointment. - If there is none, ask the receiving office what act and wording they need, since the notary cannot choose for you. - Watch that the notary fills in venue, date, signer name, and signs and seals the certificate. - Check that a loose certificate, if used, is attached securely and identifies the document it belongs to. - Make a copy of the completed page for your records before sending it off. ## Common mistakes - Accepting a certificate with the wrong signer count can cause rejection when the names do not match those who signed. - Letting the seal cover the notary's signature or the date can make the certificate unreadable on a copy. - Crossing out wording on a preprinted certificate without following state rules can raise questions about whether the act was done properly. ## Not the same as: Notary seal or stamp The certificate is the written statement describing the notarial act, while the seal is the stamp or embossed impression that identifies the notary on that certificate. [See Notary seal or stamp](/notary/glossary/notary-seal). ## Go deeper - [The Parts of a Notarial Certificate, Line by Line](/notary/guides/parts-of-a-notarial-certificate): Read a notarial certificate with confidence. We break down venue, the act wording, date, signer names, notary signature, stamp and expiration line by line. - [Acknowledgment vs Jurat: How the Two Acts Compare](/notary/guides/acknowledgment-vs-jurat-notarial-acts-compared): A plain comparison of acknowledgments and jurats: what the signer does, what the notary confirms, how the certificate wording differs, and common mix-ups. ## Related terms - [Notarial fee](/notary/glossary/notarial-fee): The amount a notary may charge for a notarial act, set by state law. - [Notary bond](/notary/glossary/notary-bond): A surety bond some states require a notary to hold to protect the public from misconduct. - [Mobile notary](/notary/glossary/mobile-notary): A notary who travels to the signer's location rather than the signer visiting an office. ## Common questions **What is a notarial certificate?** The part of a document where the notary states what act was performed, when, where and for whom. **Can you give an example of notarial certificate?** A document arrives with no certificate. The notary attaches a loose certificate with the correct wording and notes it on the document. **Can a notary fix a mistake on a certificate after I leave?** Rules vary by state, and many notaries will not change a completed certificate without the signer present. Ask the notary and the receiving office how they want a correction handled. **Why did the notary attach a separate page instead of stamping my document?** If the document has no certificate wording, or the wording does not fit the space, a loose certificate may be attached. It should be clearly tied to your document. General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change; check with your state's commissioning office. Need help? [### Mobile notary Mobile signings in New Jersey, remote online notarization and apostille help. Notary services →](/notary/) [Full glossary](/notary/glossary) Do it yourself ### Notary Launch Bundle You have the commission. These three get you to paid work: loan signings, local marketing and remote notarization. [See what's inside ($49)](/toolkits/notary-launch-bundle)14-day full refund ## Need a document notarized? Book a notary. [Book a notary](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)