FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a notary certificate?

A notary certificate is the official section completed by the notary that shows how your document was notarized. It makes the notarization legally valid.

Why does it matter?

Without the correct notary certificate, your document may be rejected or delayed by courts, lenders, or agencies.

Common certificate types

• Acknowledgment: Confirms your identity and that you signed willingly.  Document does not need to be signed in the presence of the notary.

• Acknowledgment in a Representative Capacity: Used when someone signs on behalf of another person or entity (such as a business, trust, or estate). The signer acknowledges both their identity and their authority to sign.

• Jurat: To certify the signer swore or affirmed the truthfulness of the document's statements. Requires the signer to sign in front of the notary and swear or affirm the contents are true. Usually needed when a document requires an affidavit or sworn statement.

• Oath/Affirmation: The solemn promise or pledge to tell the truth (an oath) or on one's honor (an affirmation). A verbal promise that the information provided is truthful.

• Witness Signature: Confirms that a required witness personally appeared and signed the document in the presence of the notary.

• Copy Certification: Confirms a copy is a true and accurate copy of the original document (when permitted by law). Does not apply to Vital Records (birth, marriage, and death certificates), Court or Judicial Records (divorce or other court records), or Public Records maintained by government agencies (articles of organization, certificates of incorporation, certificates of good standing issued by NJ State Treasure).
  
  Notaries can certify that a photocopy is a true copy of an original that you personally present, but they cannot certify copies of official public records or vital records because those have their own established certification procedures through the issuing government office.

How do I know which one I need?

The document or requesting agency decides. We can explain the differences, but we can’t choose for you.

Are certificates the same for online notarization?

Yes. Remote Online Notarization (RON) uses the same certificates, completed securely and electronically.

What ID is Required for RON?

For Remote Online Notarization (RON), signers must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms of identification typically include:

• U.S. driver’s license

• State-issued ID card

• U.S. passport or passport card

• Foreign passport

The ID must be current (not expired), clearly legible, and include a photo and signature. During the RON session, the ID is verified using identity proofing and credential analysis technology, and the signer may also be required to pass knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions and/or Biometric Authentication.

How Secure is RON & IPEN?

Remote Online Notarization (RON) and In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) are highly secure and, in many cases, offer more protection than traditional paper notarizations.

Both RON and IPEN use advanced security measures, including:

• Multi-factor identity verification with government ID analysis, credential authentication, knowledge-based  and/or biometric authentication. 

• Tamper-evident electronic documents which show any changes made after notarization.

• Encrypted audio-visual recording of the RON session, securely stored as required by law.

• Secure digital certificates and electronic seals unique to the notary.

• Detailed electronic audit trails documenting every step of the notarization

RON must comply with state laws and strict security standards, and sessions are conducted on approved, secure systems. IPEN provides similar protections while allowing the signer to be physically present, combining electronic safeguards with face-to-face verification.

Together, these safeguards help prevent fraud, protect personal information, and ensure the integrity of every notarized document.

What if I am outside the 45 mile range for Mobile or IPEN?

For Mobile In-Person (MOBILE) and In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) services, I primarily serve clients within a 45-mile radius of my location. If you are outside this range, please reach out before booking. In some cases, I may be able to accommodate your request with an additional travel fee, depending on distance, scheduling, and availability.

I also encourage clients outside this range to consider Remote Online Notarization (RON) as a convenient alternative that can meet your needs without travel.