Can I use white out in my notary journal?
Asked by: Roxanne Toy | Last update: July 8, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (65 votes)
Using white-out is a great way to rectify clerical errors on various types of documents, but it should never be used when performing notarial services.
How do you correct a mistake in a notary journal?
The simplest way to make the correction is as follows (note: for the purpose of describing these tips, we'll assume you are using the NNA's Official Journal of Notarial Acts): Line through the incorrect information. Write the correct information in the same box, if there is room to write it legibly.
How to correct a mistake on a notarized document?
To correct a notary mistake – make new changes in line with the original document. Typically, the signer can line through an error and mark the data of a potential change. In most instances, changes to the document can be about the statement, notary signature, official notary seal, and venue.
What makes a notary invalid?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.
What color ink can a notary use?
There is no requirement that the Notary's signature must be in a particular color. In July 2013, a law that required a Notary Public to only sign in black ink was repealed. Confronted with a tricky notarization?
How To Use a Notary Journal
What color ink can be used on legal documents?
So, what ink color is officially legal? All colors will work. However, avoid colors other than black or blue, as copying can wash out lighter ink colors. Certain government entities require black ink, while others require blue ink.
Can I handwrite my notary stamp?
If the content is satisfactory and the certificate wording meets the requirements of your state's laws, a handwritten notarial certificate is acceptable.
Can a notarized document have white out?
The use of white-out and other products designed to “cover up” text is often viewed as tampering; therefore, the receiving agent may reject any notarized documents containing it. If a notary public makes a mistake (it's bound to happen at some point), he or she should use a blank document in its place.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
Why would a notary be denied?
These may include: The signer is not physically present (unless the Notary is performing a remote online notarization) The signer cannot be properly identified. The signer does not speak the same language as the Notary.
Can I use white out on a legal document?
Using correction fluid, such as White-Out, on legal forms is generally not illegal in itself. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind: Accuracy and Legibility: When completing legal forms, it's essential to ensure that the information is accurate and legible.
Can I notarize the same document twice?
Yes, it is OK.
How do you fix a bad notary stamp?
If your Notary seal should get smudged, be administered too lightly, or come out unevenly inked, affix a second seal near, but not over, the first one. Make sure it is readable and able to be photocopied. In doing so, make sure not to cover or obscure any other text or images on the document.
How do you correct errors through the journal?
- You can correct errors by making the appropriate entries into the ledger accounts.
- The journal will be used as a book of prime entry.
- Enter the account that needs to be debited. ...
- Enter the account that needs to be credited. ...
- Give a narrative for the journal entry.
How do you correct a journal entry?
- Make a single journal entry that fixes the error when combined with the incorrect entry.
- Reverse the incorrect entry and use a second entry to record the transaction.
What happens if I don't turn in my notary journal?
Willful failure to deliver the notary journal and other notarial records to the county clerk within the appropriate time is a misdemeanor, and the notary public is personally liable for damages to any person injured by the non-delivery. (California Government Code section 8209(a).)
How do I edit a notarized document?
Fortunately, such errors are easy to fix. The Notary simply lines through any incorrect words, neatly writes in the correct information immediately above, and then initials and dates the correction. However, a Notary may only correct information in the notarial certificate — not in the main body of the document.
What must be recorded in a notary journal?
- Notarial Act: ...
- Title of Document: ...
- Identity of Signer. ...
- Date and Time: ...
- Notary Fee: The “Fee” column cannot be left blank. ...
- Signature of Signer: Every signer must sign/mark the notary's journal. ...
- Thumbprint:
Can you use white out in notary book?
Notaries should never white-out or blacken-out incorrect information. Changes made to entries in a notary record book using correction products are not likely to be accepted in a court of law. This is especially true for entry corrections involving conveyances of real estate.
Can you white out a document?
Just like the white out liquid you use in the office, you can white out on PDF to remove unwanted text and ensure nobody can ever see it again. The two easiest ways to white out text on a PDF are to extract entire pages or use a PDF editor.
What happens if a notary makes a mistake?
What happens if a notary makes a mistake? The National Notary Association suggests that even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences. The notarized document could get rejected. A mistake that results in a rejection can result in late fees and penalties on the part of the client.
Can I notarize something without my stamp?
All 50 states require public notaries to place their respective stamp on documents as a means to finalize and authenticate the service. Without this stamp, the document is not legally notarized.