If a notary has completed a certification, can they alter it later?

A notary is required to maintain the integrity of the documents they certify. Once a notarial certificate is completed and signed, it is considered a legal record and should not be altered. This policy safeguards the authenticity of the notarial act, ensuring that the original intent and content remain intact. If changes or errors are made after the certification, it can lead to confusion or disputes regarding the validity of the document.

Therefore, the understanding that changes should not be made is crucial to uphold the notary's responsibilities and the trust placed in them by the public. In cases where errors are identified or changes are necessary, the appropriate course of action is usually to execute a new notarization process rather than editing the original document directly. This ensures that all modifications are documented clearly and legally.

While there might be situations where notes about errors can be included in a notarial journal, the original certification itself should remain unchanged. This practice upholds the law and the ethical standards expected of a notary public.