What is included in a witnessing or attesting a signature notarial certificate?

When attesting or witnessing a signature, the notarial certificate must include specific details to serve its purpose effectively. The state, county, date, and signer’s name are critical components of this certificate. Including the state and county indicates the jurisdiction in which the notarization took place, establishing the legal context and authenticity of the notarization. The date is essential as it provides the timeline of when the signing occurred, which can be relevant for legal and record-keeping purposes. Lastly, the signer’s name identifies the individual who executed the document, ensuring that the notarization is linked directly to the correct person.

Other options do not provide the comprehensive information required in a notarial certificate. For instance, only including the date of signing would lack vital identification and jurisdictional context. The notary's personal opinion is not a factual component of the certificate and is irrelevant to the act of witnessing a signature, as the role of the notary is to act as an impartial witness rather than provide subjective assessments. Document type, while potentially useful, does not encompass the key elements necessary for the certificate and is typically not mandated in the basic requirements for witnessing signatures.