You’ve got your stamp. Your journal is ready. A client hands you a document. You check ID and apply your seal.
Seems like a job well done, right?
Not quite. The most common—and costly—mistake notaries make with general notarizations is failing to properly complete the certificate of notarial act.
Wait—What’s the Certificate?
The certificate of notarial act is the section where you state what you did as a notary. It typically begins with language like “Subscribed and sworn…” or “Acknowledged before me…” and includes the date, location, type of act, and your signature and seal.
If you miss it, misuse it, or allow a client to “fill it out themselves,” you’ve just committed an invalid notarization—possibly even an illegal one.
Why This Mistake Matters (A Lot)
In Pennsylvania, your notary commission doesn’t just allow you to stamp documents—it holds you legally responsible for how those documents are certified. If a certificate is incomplete or attached to the wrong act, you could face:
- ❌ Commission suspension or revocation
- ❌ Civil liability or personal lawsuits
- ❌ Refused renewals when your term ends
How to Avoid This Rookie Error
Here’s a simple 3-step system:
- Always identify the notarial act type first (acknowledgment vs. jurat)
- Use the correct wording for Pennsylvania—don’t copy a client’s template blindly
- Attach a compliant certificate if one isn’t provided
⚠️ Note: The Commonwealth requires you to write in your county, date, name, and notarial title exactly as your commission reads.
Pro Tip: Pre-Fill a Few Blank Certificates
Keep a few printed certificates in your notary bag (one for acknowledgments, one for jurats). If someone hands you a document with no certificate—or the wrong one—you’ll be prepared to attach the proper form without delay or risk.
Want to Get Every Notarization Right?
Our state-approved Notary Course walks you through real-life scenarios and teaches you how to perform general notarizations the right way—including how to choose and complete the correct notarial certificate every time.
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📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: PA Notary Appointment Guide
New or renewing? Download the PA Notary Appointment Guide and avoid the most common mistakes notaries make from day one.
