California Notary Public ExamNotary Public Duties and AuthorityMedium
A Notary Public is presented with an affidavit for a jurat. The signer has already signed the document, but the jurat certificate is completely blank. The Notary administers the oath/affirmation. What is the next required step for the Notary Public?
- AInstruct the signer to fill in the certificate themselves after the oath.
- BFill in the jurat certificate with the correct information and attach it to the document.
- CRefuse to complete the jurat because the certificate was blank when presented.
- DAsk the signer to re-sign the document in the Notary's presence.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Fill in the jurat certificate with the correct information and attach it to the document.
For a jurat, the Notary Public must administer the oath or affirmation, and then the signer must sign the document in the Notary's presence. If the signer has already signed, they must re-sign. The Notary then completes the jurat certificate, which must be attached to the document. A blank certificate should be filled out by the Notary with the required details.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Notary Public, not the signer, is responsible for accurately completing the notarial certificate.
- C. A blank certificate does not prevent the Notary from performing the act, as long as all other requirements (oath, signature in presence) are met.
- D. While the signer must sign in the Notary's presence for a jurat, the question is about the next step AFTER the oath for a document already signed, and a blank certificate. The Notary completes the certificate.
Completing Notarial Certificates
A Notary Public is responsible for accurately completing the notarial certificate for every act performed, ensuring all statutory requirements are met. Blank certificates must be filled in by the Notary.
- Notary completes the certificate.
- All required fields must be filled.
- Certificate must be attached if separate.
Memory trick: Oath First, Sign Next, Certificate Best.