California Notary Public ExamJuratsHard
A Notary Public is completing a jurat certificate. The pre-printed certificate includes the standard wording, but also an additional line stating: 'I certify that the signer is personally known to me.' The signer was identified using a valid California Driver's License. What should the Notary do with this additional line?
- AStrike through the entire jurat certificate and attach a new, compliant certificate.
- BStrike through only the additional line, initialing the change, and proceed with the notarization.
- CRefuse to notarize the document because the certificate wording is non-compliant.
- DLeave the line as is, since personal knowledge is a valid form of identification.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Strike through only the additional line, initialing the change, and proceed with the notarization.
California Notary law requires specific, statutory wording for jurat certificates. Any additional wording that is not part of the statutory language must be struck through by the Notary. In this case, since the signer was identified by ID, the 'personally known' statement is inaccurate and must be removed.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Striking the entire certificate is too drastic if only a minor, separable non-statutory addition exists. It's better to modify the existing one if possible.
- C. Refusal is not necessary if the non-compliant wording can be easily corrected by striking through. The Notary's duty is to ensure the certificate is compliant, not to refuse for every minor deviation.
- D. Leaving an inaccurate statement in the certificate, even if 'personally known' is a valid identification method, is incorrect when identification was by ID. The certificate must reflect the actual method used.
Jurat - Non-Statutory Wording
California law mandates specific, exact wording for jurat certificates. Any additional or differing wording must be struck out by the Notary Public to ensure compliance.
- Certificate wording must be exact as per statute.
- Notary must strike through non-statutory additions.
- Notary must initial any strike-throughs.
- Adding or changing wording can invalidate the notarization.
Memory trick: Statutory wording is a strict script; don't deviate, just delete extras.