Key Takeaways
- Every notarization requires a complete notarial certificate
- Cannot simply sign and stamp a document without a certificate
- Certificate must include venue, date, type of act, names, signature, and seal
- Montana provides short-form certificates in statute
- Loose certificates must be stapled to the document
Last updated: January 2026
Notarial Certificates
A notarial certificate is the written statement that accompanies every notarization. Montana requires a complete certificate for every notarial act.
Required Certificate Elements
Every notarial certificate must include:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Venue | State of Montana, County of _____ |
| Date | Date of the notarial act |
| Type of act | Acknowledgment, jurat, etc. |
| Names | Name(s) of individual(s) for whom act was performed |
| Notary signature | Notary's official signature |
| Notary stamp/seal | Official rectangular ink stamp |
Prohibited Practice
Violation: It is a violation of MCA 1-5-625(1)(d) to simply sign and stamp a document without completing a full notarial certificate.
Certificate Formats
Pre-printed Certificates
Many documents include a pre-printed notarial certificate. The notary:
- Verifies the certificate matches the act performed
- Completes all blanks
- Signs and stamps the certificate
Loose Certificates
If the document has no certificate or the wrong type:
- Use an appropriate loose certificate form
- Complete all required information
- Staple the certificate to the document
- Note: A warning about detachment may render it invalid
Montana Short-Form Certificates
Montana statute (MCA 1-5-610) provides approved short-form certificates:
Acknowledgment
State of Montana
County of ______________
This record was acknowledged before me on _____________ [date]
by _________________________________ [name(s) of individual(s)].
[Signature of notarial officer]
[Stamp/Seal]
Jurat (Verification on Oath)
State of Montana
County of ______________
Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on _____________ [date]
by _________________________________ [name(s) of individual(s)].
[Signature of notarial officer]
[Stamp/Seal]
Signature Witnessing
State of Montana
County of ______________
I certify that _________________________________ [name(s)]
signed this record in my presence on _____________ [date].
[Signature of notarial officer]
[Stamp/Seal]
Copy Certification
State of Montana
County of ______________
I certify that this is a true and accurate copy of a record
in the possession of _________________________________ [name].
Date: _____________
[Signature of notarial officer]
[Stamp/Seal]
Certificate Best Practices
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Complete all blanks | Leave blanks empty |
| Use correct certificate type | Use wrong type for the act |
| Staple loose certificates | Use paper clips or leave loose |
| Sign in the designated space | Sign elsewhere on document |
| Affix stamp clearly | Stamp over text or signatures |
Correcting Certificate Errors
If you make an error on a certificate:
| Error Type | Correction Method |
|---|---|
| Minor (spelling) | Single line through error, initial, write correction |
| Major | Use new certificate form |
| Discovered later | Contact signer to redo notarization |
On the Exam
- Complete certificate: Required for every notarization
- No sign-and-stamp only: Violation of law
- Staple loose certificates: Must be attached securely
- Venue required: State and county
- Short forms available: In Montana statute
Test Your Knowledge
A signer asks the notary to "just stamp and sign" a document without a notarial certificate. What should the notary do?
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Test Your Knowledge
How should a loose notarial certificate be attached to a document?
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D