Does This Document Have the Correct Notarial Certificate/Wording?
Understanding the Correct Notarial Certificate Wording in California
If you need to have a document notarized in California, one important detail often gets overlooked: the correct notarial certificate wording. Many documents come with preprinted notary language, but not all of it meets California’s legal requirements. When the wording is incorrect or missing, a notary cannot legally complete the notarization until it is fixed.
If you’re preparing documents and searching for a notary in Los Angeles, understanding the correct notarial wording can help prevent delays at your appointment.
What Is a Notarial Certificate?
A notarial certificate is the section of a document that the notary completes. It describes what type of notarization took place and confirms that the notary verified the signer’s identity.
The certificate typically includes:
The state and county where the notarization took place
The date of the notarization
The name of the person who appeared before the notary
The type of notarial act performed
The notary’s signature and official seal
California law requires specific wording for certain types of notarizations.
The Two Most Common Types of Notarizations in California
Most notarizations in California fall into one of two categories:
Acknowledgments
Jurats
Each has its own legally required certificate wording.
California Acknowledgment Certificate
An acknowledgment is used when a signer confirms to the notary that they signed the document willingly.
The signer does not need to sign the document in front of the notary. However, they must personally appear before the notary and acknowledge that the signature is theirs.
California law requires the following wording for an acknowledgment certificate:
“On ______ before me, (name and title of the officer), personally appeared ______, who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies)….”
This wording is set by California law and cannot be altered or shortened.
California Jurat Certificate
A jurat is used when a signer must swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true.
Unlike an acknowledgment, the document must be signed in front of the notary when using a jurat. The notary also administers an oath or affirmation.
The required California jurat wording includes:
“Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on this ___ day of _, 20, by ______, proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) who appeared before me.”
The notary then signs and applies their official seal.
Why Correct Notary Wording Matters
California has strict notary laws. If a document contains incorrect or non-compliant wording, the notary must either attach the proper certificate or refuse the notarization.
Incorrect wording can cause problems such as:
Rejected real estate filings
Delayed legal documents
Documents being returned by recording offices or financial institutions
Using the correct certificate helps ensure your document will be accepted when submitted.
What Happens If the Document Has the Wrong Notary Wording?
This situation is actually very common. Many out-of-state documents include notarial language that does not meet California requirements.
When this happens, a California notary can attach a separate acknowledgment or jurat certificate that contains the correct wording required by state law.
However, the notary cannot choose the type of notarization for you. The document preparer or receiving agency must tell you whether an acknowledgment or jurat is required.
Tips Before Your Notary Appointment
To avoid delays, it helps to prepare ahead of time:
Check whether your document requires an acknowledgment or jurat
Make sure the notarial wording complies with California law
Bring valid government-issued identification
Do not sign the document in advance if it requires a jurat
A quick review before your appointment can save time and prevent issues.
Final Thoughts
Correct notarial certificate wording is a key part of the notarization process in California. Whether your document requires an acknowledgment or a jurat, the certificate must follow the exact language required by state law.
If you’re preparing documents and need a notary in Los Angeles, working with a knowledgeable California notary can help ensure the proper wording is used and your notarization is completed correctly the first time.
