Notarial acts require an accompanying certificate, a formal statement executed by the notary public that details the specifics of the notarization. This document confirms that the signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged or swore to the truthfulness of the document. A common example is an acknowledgment, used to verify a signature on a deed or contract.
The presence of a proper notarial certificate adds a layer of security and validity to important documents. It deters fraud by confirming the identity of the signer and their voluntary execution of the document. Historically, these certificates have provided a reliable record of legal transactions, contributing to the stability of property ownership and contractual agreements.
