When is a notary required to complete a notarial certificate?

A notary is required to complete a notarial certificate every time a document is notarized because this certificate serves as official evidence of the notarial act. The notarial certificate includes important details such as the date of the notarization, the location, the signature of the notary, and often the notary's seal.

This requirement ensures that the notarial act is properly recorded and can be verified in the future if needed. The notarial certificate provides a level of authenticity and integrity to the document, confirming that the signer was identified according to the legal standards and that the signing occurred in the presence of the notary. This consistent practice protects both the notary and the public, maintaining trust in the notarization process.