What Is a Notarial Certificate?
A notarial certificate is the wording a notary public completes and signs to certify that a notarization took place. It is the official part of a notarized document that states what the notary did — who appeared, when, how they were identified, and what type of notarial act was performed. Without a proper certificate, a notarization is incomplete.
The Two Main Types
- Acknowledgment — the signer confirms they signed the document voluntarily; common for deeds and contracts
- Jurat — the signer swears or affirms that the document's contents are true and signs in the notary's presence; used for affidavits
Notarial Certificates in Florida
Florida notaries are governed by Chapter 117, Florida Statutes, which prescribes the required elements of the certificate — the venue (state and county), the date, the name of the person, how identity was verified, and the notary's signature, seal, and commission information. Florida also authorizes online (remote) notarization, with its own certificate requirements. Because many recordable documents — especially deeds — must be properly notarized to be accepted, a defective certificate can hold up recording and closing.
Related Terms
- Notary Public — Who completes the certificate
- Witness — Often required alongside notarization
- Deed — A document that must be notarized to record
Barnes Walker Real Estate
Barnes Walker's attorneys and title team ensure Florida documents are properly notarized and recordable. Request a legal inquiry for assistance.
Florida Law Reference
Fla. Stat. Ch. 117
Governs Florida notaries public, including the required elements of notarial certificates for acknowledgments and jurats and the rules for online (remote) notarization.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC