Affidavits are sworn legal statements — and courts take them very seriously. Even small notarization errors can cause an affidavit to be rejected, delayed, or completely disregarded by a judge.
Understanding why courts reject improperly notarized affidavits can help you avoid wasted time, missed deadlines, and additional legal costs.
What Makes an Affidavit Different From Other Documents?
An affidavit is:
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A sworn statement of facts
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Signed under oath or affirmation
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Intended for use in court or legal proceedings
Because affidavits carry legal weight, courts require strict compliance with notarization rules.
Common Reasons Courts Reject Affidavits
🪪 1. Identity Was Not Properly Verified
Courts reject affidavits if:
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The notary failed to verify ID
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The ID was expired or unacceptable
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The signer’s identity is questionable
Identity verification is critical to sworn testimony.
2. The Oath or Affirmation Was Not Administered
This is one of the most common errors.
If the notary:
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Did not administer an oath or affirmation
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Used acknowledgment wording instead of a jurat
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Failed to indicate the oath in the certificate
…the affidavit is defective.
3. Incorrect Notarial Certificate (Wrong Act)
Affidavits require a jurat, not an acknowledgment.
Courts reject affidavits when:
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The wrong certificate is attached
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The certificate is incomplete
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Required wording is missing
A stamp alone is not enough.
4. Missing or Incorrect Dates
Courts reject affidavits when:
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The signing date is missing
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The notarization date is incorrect
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Dates don’t match
Accurate dating is essential.
5. Blank Spaces or Incomplete Statements
An affidavit with:
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Blank lines
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Unanswered sections
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Missing attachments
may be rejected because it leaves room for alteration after notarization.
6. Signer Lacked Awareness or Capacity
If a signer did not understand:
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The meaning of an oath
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The content of the affidavit
or appeared impaired, the affidavit may be challenged and rejected.
7. Notary Conflict of Interest
Affidavits may be invalid if the notary:
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Was named in the affidavit
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Had a personal or financial interest
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Was closely related to the signer (in many states)
Impartiality is mandatory.
8. Violations of State Notary Laws
Courts reject affidavits when:
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Witness requirements were ignored
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Journal entries were not completed (where required)
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The notary exceeded their authority
State law governs affidavit notarization.
9. Improper Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Affidavits notarized online may be rejected if:
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The notary was not authorized to perform RON
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Identity verification was incomplete
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The platform did not meet legal standards
How Courts Detect Improper Notarization
Courts may review:
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The notarial certificate
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Notary journals
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Signer testimony
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Video recordings (RON)
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Supporting documentation
Notarizations can be challenged at any stage.
How to Ensure Your Affidavit Is Court-Accepted
To avoid rejection:
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Use a professional, experienced notary
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Confirm a jurat is used
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Bring valid, current ID
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Complete all sections before notarization
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Never sign before the notary arrives
Conclusion
Courts reject improperly notarized affidavits because they undermine the integrity of sworn testimony. Even minor mistakes can invalidate an affidavit and delay legal proceedings.
At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we understand court requirements and ensure affidavits are notarized correctly, legally, and defensibly — helping clients avoid rejection and resubmission.
