What should a notary do upon discovering a mistake in a notarial certificate?

When a notary discovers a mistake in a notarial certificate, the appropriate action is to void the original document and create a new notarization if necessary. This practice is in line with maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the notarial record.

If a mistake is found after the notarial act has been completed, merely making a correction on the existing certificate could lead to questions about the validity of the notarization. Notarial acts must be accurate and clearly documented; thus, creating a new notarization ensures that all parties involved have a clear and correct record of the act.

Additionally, voiding the original document protects against potential legal complications that could arise from ambiguities or inaccuracies in the notarial record. This method also upholds the notary's duty to provide trustworthy services and preserve the credibility of the notarial process.

While notifying the signer is important in terms of communication, it does not rectify the issue with the notarial certificate itself. Keeping the mistake as part of the record or making corrections on the existing certificate could undermine the legal standing of the notarial acts. Therefore, creating a new notarization after voiding the original document is the best practice to ensure all information is accurate and legally binding.