Do notaries make mistakes?
Asked by: Erwin Koch | Last update: August 15, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (67 votes)
Notaries carry a lot of fraud prevention responsibility. But they are also human. Despite the best intentions, every notary is likely to make at least one mistake during the course of a career. Accidental errors are one of the main reasons a notarized document might seem valid at first but is later voided.
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.
When a notary makes a mistake?
Remember, the signer can hold a notary public liable for a mistake in the notarized document. If there is direct wrongdoing in a notarization process, the notary public may be required to cover the damages and penalties. You may not be aware of it, but even a typo in a document notarized can cost you $20,000.
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.
Are notaries trustworthy?
Enter the notary public—a trusted professional who plays a pivotal role in preventing fraud and verifying the legitimacy of signatures. Whether it's a real estate transaction, a power of attorney, or any legal document, notaries provide an essential service that offers peace of mind to individuals and businesses alike.
⚠️Beware Of These Common Notary Mistakes⚠️
How to know if a notary is legit?
You could also ask the notary to provide a reference from a previous client. Authentic examples of past work can be a good way to verify a notary is legitimate.
Should you pay a notary?
In general, you might need to get important papers notarized, such as loan documents or legal documents. The validity and truthfulness of all the information on the paperwork must be attested by a notary public. You might have to pay a notary fee if the document needs to be signed in front of a notary public.
Are notaries liable?
A notary public is always liable for all actions, whether intentional or unintentional. This liability is unlimited to financial losses and damages.
Is it okay if the notary stamp is upside down?
Documents containing upside down, blurred, or partial Notary seal or stamp impressions are likely to get rejected.
Which of the following offenses cancels a notary application?
The examples include but are not limited to: assault, arson, auto theft, burglary, possession or sale of illegal drugs, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, failure to pay child support or failure to comply with a court order.
Can a notary change their signature?
No. A notary public may not simply “X” out his or her notary signature and seal on a notarial certificate that contains mistakes. Changes to a notarial certificate must be made only at the time of the execution of the notarization when the principal signer is present.
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.
Can you cancel a notarized document?
Draft a clear and concise written request for the cancellation of the notarized letter. Include relevant details such as the reason for cancellation, any changes in circumstances, and any supporting documentation. Follow the prescribed procedures for submitting the cancellation request to the appropriate authorities.
What happens if you do a notary wrong?
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.
Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?
No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?
What are the downsides of being a notary?
- Steady income can be difficult.
- You could be sued for a lot of money.
- Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.
How to correct notary error?
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. Alternatively, a single-line strike can be made through the error with the notary's initials signed next to it.
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.
What makes a stamp invalid?
If the stamp was already used to send mail through the USPS®, it cannot be used to mail a different mailpiece even if the stamp was not canceled, or defaced by the Postal Service™ to make a stamp unusable.
What can notaries not charge for?
Some states prohibit their notaries from charging or collecting a fee for notarizing a signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration.
Can you refuse to do a notary?
In order to properly refuse a notarization, you should have one or more reasons to do so that can be objectively articulated in your journal. In other words, you should be able to explain why you are refusing to notarize. If you can't explain it, then you don't have a sufficient basis to do it.
Do notaries have witnesses?
This varies by state and by situation. In most cases, a notary public can conduct a notarization without any witnesses. They perform as the “official” witness, based on certain required evidence, such as the provision in person of the signer's government issued, photo ID.
How does a notary get paid?
The two most common ways notaries make money are: Part of an established salary (working for a bank, local post office or another business) As an independent, freelance notary.
Should I tip a notary public?
Just like money tips, the recommended ethical practice for other types of gifts and gratuities is not to accept them. Guiding Principle II-A-3 of The Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility of 2020 recommends Notaries should not accept any gifts, gratuities or donations.
How does notary go pay?
Primary agents get paid weekly. How is my payment sent? All checks are sent to the email we have on file as an e-check.