The notarial certificate should be completed by which individual?

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

Answer: (D)

The notarial certificate is the official record of the notarial act and must be completed by the notary. After the notary verifies the signer’s identity and either administers the oath (jurat) or acknowledges the signature, the notary fills in the certificate with the type of act, the date, the signer’s name, and then signs and seals it. The signer’s attorney or any witness does not complete the certificate because the certificate must reflect the notary’s independent attestation. Keeping the certificate in the notary’s hands preserves impartiality and the integrity of the notarization, which is essential to its validity under Maryland practice.