A notarized document can be rejected, by a court, county recorder, bank or foreign government, if the notarization wasn’t done correctly. Most problems are easy to avoid once you know what to look for. Here are the most common reasons notarizations are invalid, based on how notarization works in Oregon.
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Common reasons a notarization is invalid
- The signer didn’t appear before the notary (in person, or through an approved remote online notarization).
- No acceptable ID or ID that wasn’t checked properly.
- Missing or wrong notarial certificate, such as an acknowledgment used where a jurat (sworn statement) was required.
- Missing seal, signature or commission expiration date.
- Expired notary commission at the time of signing.
- Blank spaces left in the document that could be filled in later.
- The notary had a conflict of interest, such as being named in the document or benefiting from it.
- Changes after notarization: pages swapped or text altered.
Acknowledgment vs. jurat
| Acknowledgment | Jurat | |
|---|---|---|
| What it confirms | You signed willingly and are who you say you are | You swore or affirmed the contents are true |
| Signing | Can be signed before meeting the notary | Must be signed in front of the notary |
| Common uses | Deeds, powers of attorney | Affidavits, sworn statements |
How to make sure your document is valid
- Bring unexpired government photo ID.
- Don’t sign ahead of time if a jurat may be needed.
- Fill in every blank or mark it N/A.
- Tell the notary where the document is going (court, county, overseas); some recipients have specific wording rules.
- If it’s going abroad, ask whether you also need an apostille.
Documents going to another country
A notarized document used abroad usually needs an apostille or embassy legalization after notarization. A mistake in the notarization, such as a missing seal or incomplete certificate, is often the reason the apostille is refused. If your document is going overseas, tell the notary so they can make sure the certificate meets Oregon Secretary of State requirements. See our Oregon apostille service.
Checklist before you sign
- Bring the complete document, with every page.
- Leave signature lines blank until you are in front of the notary.
- Bring an unexpired government photo ID that matches the name on the document.
- Know whether you need an acknowledgment or a jurat. If you are not sure, ask the receiving office.
- Bring any witnesses your document requires, or ask us to provide one.
Office notarization is $10 and mobile notary service is $70. Book an appointment online.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Can a notarization be fixed?
Usually the document is re-signed and re-notarized correctly. Don’t alter the old certificate.
Does notarizing make a document legally valid?
No. A notary verifies identity and signing, not whether the document itself is legal or correct.
Office notary $10; mobile notary $70 (see pricing).
Related reading: Oregon notary and witness requirements
