In a notarial act, who may fill in the notarial certificate?

• A. The signer
• B. Only the notary
• C. A witness
• D. The signer’s attorney

Answer: (B)

The notarial certificate is the notary’s official attestation of the act. Only the notary is authorized to fill it in because the notary is the independent verifier who confirms that the signer appeared, identified themselves, and signed or acknowledged the document in the notary’s presence. This attestation—stating the date, place, and that the signer appeared before the notary and acknowledged the instrument—must come from the notary, who bears the responsibility and authority for the notarization. A signer, a witness, or the signer’s attorney does not have the authority to certify the act, so they cannot complete the certificate.