Who is the person permitted to finalize a notarial certificate?

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

Answer: (D)

The notarial certificate is completed and sealed by the notary, who attests that the appropriate act (acknowledgment or jurat) was performed in the presence of the signer. The notary’s signature and official seal are what finalize and authenticate the document; they provide the legal authority for the notarization. The signer may present the document and sign as part of the process, but the act of finalizing the certificate is done by the notary. A witness or the signer’s attorney does not have the authority to complete or seal the notarization. Thus, only the notary is permitted to finalize the certificate.