Introduction
Notaries are trained to be precise — but like any human service, mistakes can happen. When they do, clients often worry: Is my document invalid? Will I have to start over? Is this a legal problem?
The good news is that many notary mistakes are fixable, especially when caught early.
What Counts as a Notary Mistake?
A notary mistake can include:
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Missing or incorrect dates
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Incomplete notarial certificates
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Wrong notarial wording
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Misspelled names
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Missing seals or stamps
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Administrative errors in the journal
Some mistakes are minor, while others are more serious.
Minor Errors (Usually Easy to Fix)
These mistakes often do not invalidate the notarization if corrected properly:
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Incorrect venue wording
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Missing county or state
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Small clerical errors
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Seal placed incorrectly
In many cases, the notary can correct the error by:
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Issuing a corrected certificate
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Re-notarizing the document
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Completing an acknowledgment or jurat properly
Serious Errors (May Require Re-Notarization)
Some mistakes require starting over:
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The signer did not appear
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Identity was not properly verified
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The wrong notarial act was used
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The notary backdated
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The document was altered after notarization
These errors can make the notarization invalid and require re-signing.
Legal and Financial Consequences for Notaries
When mistakes cause harm:
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The notary may be subject to discipline
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The notary’s commission may be suspended or revoked
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Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance may apply
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Courts may invalidate the notarization
Notaries are legally accountable for their actions.
What Clients Should Do If a Mistake Is Found
If you discover an error:
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Stop using the document
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Contact the notary immediately
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Ask whether correction or re-notarization is required
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Confirm requirements with the receiving agency
Never attempt to fix a notarization yourself.
How Professional Notaries Prevent Mistakes
Experienced notaries:
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Follow state law precisely
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Use checklists
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Keep detailed journals
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Review documents before completion
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Stay updated on legal changes
Prevention is the best protection.
What About Online (RON) Notarization Errors?
RON platforms reduce errors by:
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Auto-populating certificates
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Recording sessions
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Logging identity verification
However, errors can still occur and must be corrected according to state law.
How Clients Can Help Avoid Mistakes
You can help by:
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Bringing valid ID
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Reviewing documents beforehand
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Not signing early
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Asking questions
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Checking certificates before leaving
Conclusion
If a notary makes a mistake, it doesn’t always mean disaster — but it does require prompt attention. Addressing errors early helps ensure your document remains valid and accepted.
At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we take accuracy seriously and guide clients through corrections when needed — protecting both the document and your peace of mind.
