What Is a Notarial Certificate? (Explained Simply)

If you’ve ever heard a notary mention a “notarial certificate” and wondered what that means, you’re not alone. Many people are unfamiliar with notary terminology until they need an important document notarized.

In simple terms, a notarial certificate is the section of a document completed by the notary public during the notarization process.

Some people also refer to this section informally as:

• the “notary block”
• the “notarial wording”
• or the “notary section”

This area is usually located near the signature portion of a document.

What information does a notarial certificate contain?

A notarial certificate commonly includes:

• the type of notarization being performed
• the date of notarization
• the state and county where the notarization takes place
• the notary’s signature
• the notary seal or stamp
• and wording related to the notarization itself

The exact wording may vary depending on the type of notarization and applicable state requirements.

Why is the notarial certificate important?

The notarial certificate documents the notary’s official act. It helps identify what type of notarization was performed and provides information completed by the notary during the process.

Different documents may require different types of notarial certificates depending on the situation.

Common types of notarial certificates

Two commonly used examples include:

• acknowledgments
• jurats

These are different types of notarizations and may involve different procedures or signer requirements.

Common confusion about notarial certificates

Many people assume the notarial certificate is part of the main document itself, but it is specifically the section related to the notarization process.

People are often surprised to learn that:

• not all documents contain the same notarial wording
• not all notarizations are performed the same way
• and different situations may require different certificate wording

Final thoughts

Notary terminology can sometimes feel confusing at first, especially when dealing with important legal, financial, or real estate documents.

Understanding what a notarial certificate is can help make the notarization process feel much more approachable and easier to follow.

If you’d like to learn more beginner-friendly notary terminology, you can also read: “Common Notary Terms Explained in Plain English.”