You’ve got an important document ready for notarization — but as you read it, you notice a typo, a blank space, or outdated information.
What happens now?
Before rushing to call a notary, it’s essential to review and correct any mistakes in your paperwork. Once a document is notarized, it’s legally sealed — meaning changes afterward could invalidate the notarization.
Here’s what to do if you spot an error before your notary appointment.
1. Review Every Page Carefully
Before you book or meet with a notary, take a few minutes to review your entire document from start to finish.
Look for:
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Misspelled names or incorrect addresses
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Blank spaces or missing information
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Dates that are old, inconsistent, or incomplete
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Signature lines that don’t include the correct parties
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Incorrect notary certificate wording
Tip: Read your document as if you were the person approving it. If something looks unclear or inconsistent, fix it first.
2. Do Not Cross Out or White Out Errors
Never use correction fluid, erasers, or scratch-outs to “fix” mistakes on a legal document. This can raise red flags for fraud and cause your document to be rejected.
Why it matters:
Once a document shows visible alteration, many agencies or courts won’t accept it — even if notarized properly.
What to do instead:
Ask the document issuer (like your bank, title company, or attorney) to reissue or resend a clean copy.
If it’s a form you completed yourself, start a new version and fill it out carefully.
3. Fill In All Blanks — But Don’t Sign Yet
A notary cannot complete a document that contains blank sections. Blank spaces can later be filled in by someone else, which makes the notarization invalid.
What to check:
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Every line, field, or checkbox that applies to you should be filled in.
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If a section doesn’t apply, write “N/A” (not applicable) instead of leaving it blank.
But remember:
Do not sign the document until you are in front of the notary (unless told otherwise).
4. Check That Names and Dates Match Your ID
If your name or signature line doesn’t match your government-issued ID, your notary may not be able to proceed.
For example:
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ID: Jennifer L. Jones
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Document: Jenny Jones
How to fix:
Ask the document preparer to correct the name before notarization. If you’ve had a recent name change, bring proof of name change (like a marriage certificate or court order).
5. Verify the Notary Section
The “notarial certificate” is the part of your document that includes wording like “Acknowledged before me” or “Subscribed and sworn to.”
If it’s missing or unclear, the notary can’t complete your notarization.
How to check:
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Make sure your document includes a notarial wording section.
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If it doesn’t, the notary can provide a proper certificate form (depending on your state’s laws) — but cannot choose which one to use for you.
6. Confirm Who Needs to Be Present
Some documents require multiple signers or witnesses. If someone is missing, your notary appointment can’t move forward.
Before your appointment:
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Make sure all signers can be present together, with valid ID.
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Confirm whether any witnesses are needed and if they must be impartial.
7. When in Doubt — Ask Beforehand
If you’re unsure about what needs to be corrected, reach out to the document issuer or a legal professional.
Notaries can explain general procedures, but they cannot give legal advice or tell you what changes to make.
Tip: Email a scanned copy (without signatures) to your attorney or the receiving agency to confirm it’s correct before your appointment.
Conclusion
Checking your document before notarization saves time, money, and frustration. A few minutes of review can prevent rejection or re-signing later.
At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we recommend reviewing your forms for accuracy, completeness, and ID consistency before scheduling your session. This ensures a smooth and stress-free notarization every time.
