How to Complete an Acknowledgment

[@Terika-]

It is really sad that there is NO official school to learn everything we need to know for the business. Sure, we can sign up for notary courses all day long, but nothing comes close to actually looking, feeling and filling out those papers in persons. No wonder why notaries make mistakes out there, since there is no official schooling for it. Really sad. Thank you for these vides as these are the only thing we can actually go by......

[@informedRev13]

Correct! I completely agree with this statement.

[@darrincox18]

& thats exactly what brought me to this video. I hear about how lucrative this business can be but I wanna know what I'm getting into before I decide to invest my time & money into it. Great presentations but I need details of what Ima be goin through on a day to day basis.

[@Terika-]

@@darrincox18 You are right. Unfortunately, there are a lot of videos out there that are a 'trigger point" for people to want to join this business: money. I find it sad as well because there should be emphasis on the job in itself and know that there are a lot of liabilities places UPON YOU and your signatures, therefore it is not something to be taken lightly. I believe it is a case of misplaced priorities: first become good at it and knowledgeable, then the money will indeed follow. It shouldn't be the other way around it. I like your attitude . Be cautious and ponder in your mind over the pro and cons of this profession, which Im sure it can also be a rewarding one if DONE CORRECTLY , WITH DILIGENCE AND ETHICAL standards.

[@bobbythespaceghost51]

It's so true. It's completely trial and error when it comes to learning the notary world.

[@nessachristian5230]

So true

[@nchekube31]

wow I can't believe I passed the notary public exam and had no clue how to do this. THANKS!

[@Kloutkulture]

Chek Uwakwe Same! 😭😭

[@millym9414]

I agree - currently in training to be an NSA and there was NO examples on the process in real-time at the training I took in January

[@sanchezsaxon2329]

@@millym9414 I also agree! I too have passed the Notary Exam for Ohio and have applied for my commission! Never notarized a document before. This was great for me because I'm a visual leaner!

[@mrlovepark]

SAME! The class was 6hrs of information that I didn't retain at all!

[@wichitasmall3948]

@@millym9414 where are you in training?

[@Breeluvh]

Ooh this was SO needed. I took the course 2times and passed and still nothing beats this in person example.. this is what should be REQUIRED to see.

[@NationalNotary]

Thank you for the feedback Bree!

[@jane78750]

Very helpful video. We should have more videos like this. I remember getting my notary certificate years ago but didn't know how to notarize documents, and when I tried I wasn't sure if I filled them out correctly or not. Thank you for making this video.

[@NationalNotary]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@brycestrong8195]

Yes, please keep these clear and concise videos coming! These two were so good together.

[@NationalNotary]

Thanks for watching!

[@jensplannersandjesus]

Truth! We spend too much to not get any training. Thank you for the videos.

[@NationalNotary]

Thank you for watching!

[@rx07082]

Hey so I'm new and learning and I can't stress enough how important it is for anyone else that is in the same boat to CHECK YOUR LOCAL REGULATIONS first and foremost. This training video encouraged someone like me, in Texas, to do something against state regulations. Texas considers it a best practice to permanently maintain and safeguard copies of the records. You may not record any identification number, driver’s license, Social Security card or passport numbers, or biometrics like thumbprints in your journal (1 Tex. Admin. Code §87.40).

[@davidfehr97]

This was the best most informative video yet. Thank you for getting right to the point! Wonderful.

[@NationalNotary]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@professoradams155]

Thank you Beth. I love this video. You made learning so easy with the visuals. I hope you do more videos for us. Your voice us perfect to hear too!

[@NationalNotary]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@brandycostello5541]

Thank you! I am just starting out and it was great to see what the process looks like.

[@Elizabeth.yeliad]

Can you talk about the types of documents you can notarize with only a notary certificate please?

[@user-er4ez4di4m]

That girl on the right was smiling hard lol.

[@pr1nce22a9]

Lmao! Her favorite pass-time is getting documents notarized

[@ChangedandChosen]

@@citylights2285 me when I nervous.

[@istinamari5135]

Is there a place a new notary can buy example “completed” notarized forms for practice? There’s not much helpful info out there for new notaries. I love the NNA but it would be nice if they offered something like what I’ve mentioned above. I’d gladly pay for it

[@realestategomez]

How about making a video about Credible Witness and how it works. (One or two witnesses) 👍🏼 in California.

[@Terika-]

That would be awesome. Confusing as hell to me.

[@Takingavacation]

Thank you for sharing this was very helpful due to being a visual learner.

[@NationalNotary]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@natmats]

when filling out the optional section, does the number of pages include the acknowledgment or just the documents being notarized? thank you!

[@highlandssax08]

Many thanks for this video, so happy to be an NNA member!

[@NationalNotary]

Our pleasure! Thank you for being a member!

[@NatJMan]

Hello, I noticed that the DL# was written in the record book. I am in TX and our training says you never write the actual federally issued ID # in the record book, but only to notate what type of document was used to verify identity. Is something that is different from state to state?

[@NationalNotary]

Hello! Great question. Every state has their own procedures. Texas Notaries are prohibited from recording the serial or identifying number of a signer’s ID. More information can be found here: www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2017/04/notary-guide-completing-journal-entries

[@C7SuperFly]

Can't I just purchase a Acknowledgment Stamp online and place it somewhere on the document and fill it in and stamp my notary seal on the document if spacing allows?

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. What state are you commissioned in?

[@C7SuperFly]

@@NationalNotary Colorado

[@trishe299]

The stamps are found on the nna website but you need a notary certificate from the county clerks office to order the stamp. 2 stamps allowed per order with a valid certificate.

[@mr.janjasmin5235]

Hello, So during the "Complete the Certificate" section you stated that if there was no certificate wording, then the notary would have to complete a separate certificate and staple it to the original. Is this separate certificate a general form that can be generated in case notaries run into situations like this, or is this something the notary must create?

[@ProtoMaxoid]

Were you able to figure this out? Future notary here

[@kokidchaz4790]

do you put the first middle and last name or the signature of the notary? I live texas

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. Not sure we understand your question. Are you asking how to fill out a certificate?

[@cavanroo]

Are all of these things required in the Notary section (State/County, Date, Name, etc...). Do I have to add this stuff in if there isn't a space for it?

[@NationalNotary]

If the document does not contain certificate wording, ask your signer what type of notarization is required and then attach a separate, or loose, certificate. When completing the certificate, make sure all the details are correct. For example, the venue - or location of the notarization, indicated by the words “State of … County of …” - should be where you performed the notarization, not where the document was prepared or will be filed.

[@BradBertrand]

I had to search way to hard to find something like this. Somehow they don't show something this before becoming a notary.

[@pinay56]

My last question, if you are in California and you see the California acknowledgement, and the signer is from Texas, what county do you fill in?

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. The venue section of a notarial certificate is always filled in with the location where the notarization takes place. For more information, please see this article: www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2015/12/notary-certificate-four-simple-parts

[@nadirahcroom1938]

When fillling out the county part of the certificate, is that the County I'm physically located in while performing the notarization?

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. What state are you commissioned in?

[@dimpleseve]

Thank you!! These videos are wonderful and helpful!!!

[@NationalNotary]

You are so welcome!

[@elizabethowens8994]

Dumb question, I took notary training for my employer. My employer requires our contractors to sign lien waivers that I will be notarizing. If I am providing the document that needs to be signed, a standard lien waiver that can be generated from your average legal website, and notarized is that the same as my practicing law?

[@NationalNotary]

Not a dumb question at all! As long as the people signing the waivers know that the documents are provided by the employer, you do not answer any questions related to the documents, and you perform your notarization according to best practice standards, you should be good. It's great that you want to protect yourself and work within the parameters of your duties as a Notary!

[@theworshipsinger]

I have my notary stamp, and I also have an embossed seal. Do you use one over the other, do you use both? What is recommended? I am in Texas.

[@NationalNotary]

Terrific question! Texas allows you to use either a stamp or an embosser. Generally, the stamp is much more convenient and easy to use.

[@mariamaldonado2887]

Hi and thanks for the video. I just have a quick question from California. If there is no certificate wording in the document we need to attach the separate certificate acknowledgement and fill it in and staple it to the back of the notarized document we are performing, right? Do we write anything in the original document or do we leave it blank? Thanks for the help!

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. Yes, if you are asked to notarize a signature on a document without pre-printed Notary certificate wording, you would need to complete and attach an appropriate separate Notary certificate. For more information, please see this article: www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2015/04/when-use-loose-certificate

[@hey_itsjasss]

When completing an acknowledgment and there is an optional section do I need to draw a line through the open space?

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. It is an NNA-recommended best practice - if not a requirement of state law - for a Notary to ask that all blank spaces in a document's text be filled in before a notarization is performed. If any space is intended to be left blank, then the signer might line through the space or write in "N/A" or "Not Applicable". www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2016/10/how-to-complete-an-acknowledgment

[@TheBellabrunella]

Hi, question. What if where I’m suppose to sign as the notary I also added “,Notary public” after my signature. Is this wrong? (California).

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. We forwarded your question to the NNA Notary Hotline Team. Here’s their response: The law does not address, nor does it require, the title “Notary Public” after the Notary’s signature. It is required after the Notary’s printed name when entered in the top portion of the acknowledgment. Since adding the title is not a requirement of law, we would not recommend adding “Notary Public” after the signature.

[@TheBellabrunella]

@@NationalNotary thank you!!

[@jjaj888]

I thought we are not allowed to document the ID #, such as the driving license # that was documented in the journal in this example

[@OMGitsTerasu]

Instead of additional paperwork, I opted for acknowledgement and jurat stamps. How would I apply those stamps?

[@NationalNotary]

Hello Aaron. What state are you commissioned in?

[@violetsurbida2774]

STate of CA does not permit "personal knowledge" any longer.

[@johntech292]

what do you mean?

[@accountantintraining4752]

Explain, please?

[@pinay56]

If you charge the usual fee, and you also charge a Travel fee ($25.00) as an example, and the fee is $1.00 totaling $26.00. do you put down $26.00 or just the $1.00 only?

[@NationalNotary]

Hi Cameron. Make it clear to the signer that the travel fee is separate from the fee you charge for the notarial act. In California, the Secretary of State's office has published guidelines in its newsletter that Notaries may charge travel fees or other services, but the customer must be informed about these fees before the notarization takes place. www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2015/06/five-tips-notaries-charging-travel-fees

[@wk2278]

How do you if the certificate wording is missing? The document said signature and stamp for the notary

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. In most states, if there is no certificate wording included with the document, you cannot complete the notarization. More information can be found here: www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2014/08/four-answers-help-new-notaries-certificates

[@lewisbates64]

If you are Notarizing for someone and there other members of this family as well to sign, are they required to sign the Notary Book also

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. You must record a separate journal entry for every signature you notarize with all required informational elements for the entry. Journal entries must be completed at the time of notarization.

[@darlene971]

I was wondering about expired id. Can that be used?

[@NationalNotary]

Hello Darlene. What state are you located in?

[@darlene971]

@@NationalNotaryMI

[@johntech292]

I learned alot with two beautiful ladies... Yancy kept starring at me..., do you have a Jurat video?

[@NationalNotary]

You may find this video helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqGWY5VnmLOci5o

[@Lolokay20]

Need help understanding the right way to complete a health directive for Texas. Where can I get that info?

[@CoachCharlesLife101]

So you supply the document? Or the customer?

[@abrilmurray7348]

how to notarize application and certification for payment

[@ccmiller4]

It would have been good to understand the collection of the as that too is part of the process.

[@karenbryan6060]

Very good information.

[@NationalNotary]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

please confirm there has to be a witness (other than the client) to witness the notary public affixing the seal?

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

who is the witness, and do they have to have credentials?

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. A "document witness" is an individual who watches another individual sign a document. Usually, state law will specify when document witnesses are required. More information can be found here: www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2018/05/notary-tip-requests-to-serve-as-a-document-witness

[@NationalNotary]

For example, if the Notary signed a document acting as an individual witness, but the Notary was then asked to notarize other signatures on the document, the Notary's impartiality could be called into question because the Notary is already named in a separate individual role in the document. Generally, Notaries are considered to have a possible conflict of interest when notarizing a document the Notary benefits from, is a party to, or is named in.

[@lupemounga5442]

What if you forgot to put , notary public next to your name. Do you have to reduce infront of client?

[@lupemounga5442]

Redue*

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. What state are you commissioned in?

[@lupemounga5442]

@@NationalNotary California

[@S4MBONE]

A personal credible witness has to know both the signer and the notary, not just the signer. It also has to be a legitimate defensible personal knowledge, not acquaintances

[@NationalNotary]

Hi Samuel. Some states require the identifying witness to know both the signer and the Notary. Other states do not have that requirement as long as identifying witnesses present satisfactory proof of their identity, such as an acceptable ID card.

[@militarytoy]

Do you have to have an acknowledgement signed whenever you do a client. For every signing. Or is it for a specific time?

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. Notaries can't choose the type of notarial act for a signer. The client must choose for themselves. However, you may describe the difference between an acknowledgment and jurat and let the signer decide which one is needed. If a signer asks you for a particular notarial act, unless you are an attorney you are not authorized to advise the signer to choose a different notarial act. It is considered the unauthorized practice of law for a nonattorney Notary to advise a signer regarding what notarization is required for a document.

[@tabbytyme4750]

Great video! Where do I find the Notary Acknowledgement forms?

[@NationalNotary]

Hi Tabby! What state are you commissioned in?

[@tabbytyme4750]

Texas

[@NationalNotary]

Great! You can find the certificates here: www.nationalnotary.org/texas/supplies/notary-certificates. NNA Members can download these and other Notary Certificate forms at no charge.

[@tabbytyme4750]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Terika-]

@@tabbytyme4750 I believe you can also download them from your Secretary Of State website . :)

[@anime_cyko]

Thank you so much for this video, the process for me to be commissioned took so long I barely remember what I learn in class. I’m in NC and remember they mentioned something about asking the signer if they care to swear upon a specific higher power. Do you have any knowledge of this?

[@NationalNotary]

Hello! When administering an oath or affirmation, follow the steps in this article: www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2015/05/your-guide-notary-oaths-affirmations

[@Smilemaker4u]

Giving an oath or swearing in is only for a Jurat.

[@clarissapichon5875]

Thank you for this! 👏😁

[@SoMdKit]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@NationalNotary]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tametriusjohnsonfielder8080]

So name of signatory is the person who is getting the notary complete?

[@yuqiao2397]

Address isn't required on the journal.

[@Keyboardkid81]

Great video!

[@NationalNotary]

Thanks for the visit!

[@lendelafurg1541]

How to get that form please ?

[@kristynguyen3]

regarding separate/lose certificates. Do we have one certificate per signature? or just one journal entry per signature?

[@NationalNotary]

Hi Kristi. What state are you commissioned in?

[@kristynguyen3]

@@NationalNotary California From my understanding, if one document requires 6 signature = 1 certificate. if it is 6 separate documents ( different assets or something), then = 6 certificates?

[@NationalNotary]

@@kristynguyen3 A single notarial certificate can be used for more than one person signing the same document in California. However, there must be a separate journal entry for each notarization performed in California. So if you notarize the signatures of more than one person on the same document, you will need a separate journal entry for each signature notarized.

[@maschingon76]

Yancy is absolutely gorgeous!

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

can a notary public notarize their own documents + with the addition of the witness

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. A notary may not notarize their own documents.

[@larecashon6759]

Where do we get the notary certificate for the last step?

[@NationalNotary]

Hi Lareca. Notary certificates can be found on our website in the 'Supplies' section: www.nationalnotary.org. NNA Members can download Notary Certificate forms at no charge.

[@susanavizard422]

I though this requires an oath or affirmation, what am I missing?

[@sexualbutterfly]

That would be a Jurat.

[@saylurrodriguez3315]

Hey Nancy 👋 😁

[@elizabethowens8994]

I took the class for my job. I honestly don’t want to be a notary. The whole thing makes me anxious.

[@Pimpinpark777]

What if my stamp doesn’t say what county im in? It has an underline instead

[@NationalNotary]

Hello! What state are you commissioned in?

[@andreahaley4770]

using a stamp is not a seal. a seal is actually your embosser. Its confusing but it is important to know the difference.

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. The term "Notary seal" is often used interchangeably with stamp and embosser. Some states refer to seals as "stamps" while other states use "seal" to reference an embosser. More information can be found here: www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries/stamp-seal-information

[@justinstricklin7671]

well i think since there is no school, that every line except the signature should be filled out before the notary gets it. Most documents i see has some of the acknowledgment filled out before i sign. Also why can't the lender or title agent send a copy to the clients email instead of printing a second set of documents this can cut price of paper down so much and ink. As a mobile notary if you make a mistake then its just easy to reprint if you have a mobile office in your car. People need to understand that its a big burden and a must know the documents before you sign or the client sign b/c if you drive an hr away or more you can't just go back and redo the sign on your own expense it becomes a burden and even if you unknowingly made a mistake. I think scanbacks should be a must especially if your mistake of the document is a printed name or a date and you don't have to go back to the client to do the entire sign all over bc you sent back the original copies also the next day shipping is a bit much because if you do need to go an hour away to do a sign and you did a scanback and express mail the documents the mistake might not come to you until about 20 mins so how do i combat that its a bit much this must have turn around shipping overnight. Lenders need to realize that if you rush the notary to get to a ups or fedex before the last hr of the day mistakes will happen more if you allow 48 hrs before shipping and giving a same day scanback to allow the lender to look at the docs before shipping then that would work and also don't provide a shipping label unless the docs are good.

[@NationalNotary]

Great points! A mobile Notary's job is serious business, and a signing agent's role at a loan signing is critical. You sound like you have some experience!

[@williammakolin1432]

Thank you

[@DanielleBarroisMoses]

Very helpful

[@NationalNotary]

Glad you think so!

[@rayjulian8044]

Thank you!

[@NationalNotary]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@dchamlagai]

I love Yancy Luna.

[@MartinLopez-kg6se]

Do i keep a copy of the signed document for.my records ?

[@MdRezaulKarim-o1i]

Excellant

[@aerialphoto]

Sorry can you repeat that. I was distracted by Yancys smile.

[@user-mj1wf9wy9k]

lol

[@Vandy13]

Can a document be "STAMPED" without the signer being present?

[@AGD220MISS]

No, they have to be there

[@Vandy13]

@@AGD220MISS Great, Thank you! I have a document that has my signature on it and it was taken and notarized(stamped) days later without my knowledge or my presence and I am being told it is legitimate.

[@NationalNotary]

Identifying the signer is always required when you are taking an acknowledgment of a signature and may be required when you perform a jurat, verification upon oath or affirmation or affidavit as well; it’s also recommended when you certify a copy.

[@Vandy13]

@@NationalNotary I have a document that already has my signature on it and it was taken and notarized without my knowledge, without my consent and without my presence and I am being told it is a legitimate notary and document. Is this legal?

[@NationalNotary]

@@Vandy13 Joshua, what state are you located in?

[@Financierpro1]

love this !!!!

[@NationalNotary]

Thank you for watching!

[@robertjerls8844]

I got my certification from nsa blue print I don’t remember learning this

[@NationalNotary]

Hello Robert. Notary training courses vary by vendor. What state are you commissioned in?

[@robertjerls8844]

National Notary Association I just got it thru u guys waiting for my background check and certification woot woot

[@NationalNotary]

@@robertjerls8844 Great! We have several courses, books, and free resources available to help you learn the ins and outs of performing a Notarization. Check out the Notary Bulletin: www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin

[@stomptheelites]

Yancy Luna from Lunatown, CA🤣🤣I'm dead!

[@franka6680]

yansy made it difficult to pay attention but overall helpful vid

[@user-rg3xs9jr5j]

I think the one on the right wants me

[@joshwalker5998]

I cannot believe the NNA is teaching notaries that the pronoun section of the acknowledgment is “optional” to complete🙈 I’m curious as to why you’re teaching this, this way?

[@NationalNotary]

Hi Josh. What state are you commissioned in?

[@joshwalker5998]

California

[@NationalNotary]

@@joshwalker5998 If you are referring to crossing out pronouns (such as “he/she/they”) on a Notary certificate, no state has a law or regulation requiring Notaries to make cross-outs and few, if any, recommend it in guidelines published online or in-state Notary handbooks. We have been informed by Notaries that some receiving agencies have rejected their notarized documents that included crossed-out pronouns, either because the agency perceived the Notary wording was incomplete due to the cross out or because the Notary crossed out an incorrect section. We should also clarify that this recommendation does not in any way apply to correcting an existing error in a Notary certificate. Crossing out the error, writing in the correction and initialing and dating the correction continues to be the recommended practice.

[@jamarrh1294]

If there are multiple unsigned acknowledgments in one contract do you have to have them affirm for every signature/seal or just one will do?

[@NationalNotary]

Hello. What state are you commissioned in?

[@jamarrh1294]

@@NationalNotary Texas