Who is legally permitted to finalize the notarial certificate?

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

Answer: (B)

The notary is the one who finalizes the notarial certificate. In Maryland, the certificate is the notary’s official certification that the signer appeared before the notary, identified themselves, and that the act (acknowledgment, jurat, or oath) was performed. Because the certificate carries the notary’s authority and accountability, only the notary can complete it, sign it, and affix the seal. The signer, a witness, or the signer’s attorney may be involved in the document or the signing process, but they do not have the authority to finalize the notarization. This ensures the integrity and validity of the act, since the notarization is the notary’s sworn responsibility.