Who may legally complete the notarial certificate?

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

Answer: (B)

In Maryland, the notarial certificate is completed by the notary public. The notary’s role is to certify the act of notarization—verifying the signer’s identity, confirming the signer appeared before the notary, and indicating whether the signature was sworn or acknowledged. The notary then fills in the certificate wording, dates it, and applies the official seal. The signer may provide signatures and identify themselves, but the authority to complete and certify the notarization rests with the notary. A witness or an attorney cannot substitute for the notary in completing the certificate. Without the notary’s completed certificate, the notarization is not valid.