Key Takeaways
- Never notarize without the signer physically present (except authorized remote notarization)
- Never notarize a document with blank spaces
- Never backdate or postdate a notarization
- Never notarize for someone who appears confused or coerced
- Never claim qualifications you do not have
Last updated: January 2026
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Top 10 Notary Mistakes
1. Notarizing Without Personal Appearance
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| Accepting a document by mail and notarizing | Require signer to appear in person |
| Notarizing because "I know their signature" | Signer must be present |
| Having someone else bring a signed document | Personal appearance required |
Exception: Authorized remote online notarization with proper technology.
2. Failing to Properly Identify the Signer
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| Accepting expired ID | Require current ID |
| Taking only one form of ID | Request two forms |
| Not examining ID carefully | Verify photo, signature, information |
3. Notarizing Incomplete Documents
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| "They'll fill it in later" | All blanks must be complete |
| Notarizing a partially completed form | Wait until document is final |
| Trusting "it's fine" assurances | Visual confirmation required |
4. Incorrect Dating
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| Backdating to match document date | Date of actual notarization only |
| Postdating for future effect | Current date when act performed |
| Using date signer requests | Use actual date of appearance |
5. Notarizing for Self or Family
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| Notarizing your own signature | Strictly prohibited |
| Notarizing for spouse | Avoid - refer to another notary |
| "It's just a formality" | Conflict rules always apply |
6. Giving Legal Advice
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| Explaining contract terms | "Consult an attorney" |
| Recommending which document to use | Provide no recommendations |
| Interpreting legal effect | Stay within notary role |
7. Overcharging
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| Charging $10 per notarization | Maximum $5.00 per act |
| Adding undisclosed travel fees | Agree on travel fee beforehand |
| Charging more for complex documents | Same fee regardless of document |
8. Ignoring Warning Signs
| Warning Sign | Action |
|---|---|
| Signer appears confused | Do NOT notarize |
| Signer seems coerced | Do NOT notarize |
| Someone else answers questions | Do NOT notarize |
| Signer doesn't understand document | Do NOT notarize |
9. Improper Certificate Completion
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| Leaving certificate blanks | Complete every field |
| Using wrong certificate type | Acknowledgment vs. jurat |
| Not including required information | Name, date, jurisdiction, signature |
10. Acting Outside Connecticut
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| Notarizing while traveling out of state | Only notarize within CT |
| "I'm still a CT notary" | Geographic limits apply |
| Using CT seal in another state | Your authority ends at state line |
Test Your Knowledge
A signer brings you a document that was signed yesterday and asks you to notarize it with yesterday's date. What should you do?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
A signer appears nervous and their companion keeps answering questions for them. What should you do?
A
B
C
D
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