OR Notary Certificate Wording and Notarial Language 3

Question 1

What should an Oregon notary do if a document they are asked to notarize is written entirely in a foreign language?

Accepted Answer

Notarize the document if the notarial act itself (what the notary is certifying) is clear, even if the body text is in another language

Answer

Refuse to notarize because Oregon notaries may only work with English documents

Answer

Require a certified translation before notarizing

Answer

Notarize only the English portions of the document

Question 2

What should an Oregon notary do if a notarial certificate is on a separate loose sheet rather than attached to the document?

Accepted Answer

Attach the completed certificate to the document so it cannot be separated and applied to a different document

Answer

Refuse to complete the certificate because all certificates must be pre-printed on the document

Answer

Keep the certificate separate to maintain the document's original format

Answer

Send the loose certificate to the Secretary of State for filing

Question 3

In Oregon, may a notary change or alter the wording of a statutory notarial certificate form?

Accepted Answer

Yes — notaries may adapt the language as long as the certificate accurately reflects the act and meets legal requirements

Answer

No — statutory forms must be used exactly as written

Answer

Only if the signer requests the change in writing

Answer

Only attorneys may modify notarial certificate language

Question 4

An Oregon notary signs and seals a notarial certificate but then realizes they forgot to write the date. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Contact the signer and, if possible, correct the certificate by adding the correct date and initialing the addition

Answer

Leave the date blank and let the recipient fill it in

Answer

Issue a completely new certificate and destroy the incomplete one

Answer

Sign a separate affidavit explaining the correct date

Question 5

Which of the following certificate elements is specific to a jurat and does NOT appear in an Oregon acknowledgment certificate?

Accepted Answer

Language indicating the signer was sworn or affirmed to the truth of the document

Answer

The county and state where the act took place

Answer

The notary's signature and seal

Answer

The date of the notarial act

Question 6

What action must an Oregon notary take when completing a notarial certificate to ensure the certificate cannot be completed at a later date with false information?

Accepted Answer

Complete all required blanks at the time of the notarial act, drawing a line through any unused spaces

Answer

Leave all blank spaces in the certificate empty for the signer to complete

Answer

Laminate the certificate immediately after signing

Answer

File a copy with the county clerk within 24 hours