Quick Reference for Proper Notarizations
FREQUENTLY USED NOTARIAL BLOCKS
“SHORT FORMS”
This is meant to show examples of proper and acceptable notarial blocks under Montana statutes. All 9 elements as described on the Checklist for Proper Notarial Blocks of this handbook must be included in every notarization EVEN WHEN THE PREPRINTED FORM ON THE DOCUMENT DOES NOT REQUEST ALL THE INFORMATION. Use these as guidelines. Specific circumstances may require slightly different wording in the description to accurately describe the exact nature of the notarial act being performed. The words in parentheses ( ) are for instructional purposes; they should not appear on an actual document.
Individual versions of these short forms are available in Word and text format for download in the Resources section.
1. When notarizing a signature on a document [Most frequently requested notarial act]:
State of___________________
County of________________
(Where you are performing the notarization)
Signed and acknowledged before me on (date) by (name of person signing document).
Notary Public for the State of Montana(Title)
_____________________________
(Signature of notarial officer)
(SEAL, if any)
_____________________________
(Name - typed, stamped, or printed)
Residing at: _____________________________
(city where notary lives)
My commission expires: (Month/Day/Four digit Year)
2. When taking an acknowledgment of a signature [The person already signed the document but appears in front of the notary and swears that he/she was the person who signed the document]:
State of___________________
County of________________
(Where you are performing the notarization)
This instrument was acknowledged before me on (date) by (name of person signing document).
Notary Public for the State of Montana(Title)
_____________________________
(Signature of notarial officer)
(SEAL, if any)
_____________________________
(Name - typed, stamped, or printed)
Residing at: _____________________________
(city where notary lives)
My commission expires: (Month/Day/Four digit Year)
3. For attestation of a copy of a private document [When a person requests the notary to make a copy of a document they have in their personal possession and notarize it.]:
State of___________________
County of________________
(Where you are performing the notarization)
I certify that this is a true and correct photocopy of (describe document) in the possession of (name of person), on (date).
Notary Public for the State of Montana(Title)
_____________________________
(Signature of notarial officer)
(SEAL, if any)
_____________________________
(Name - typed, stamped, or printed)
Residing at: _____________________________
(city where notary lives)
My commission expires: (Month/Day/Four digit Year)
4. For attestation of a copy of a public document [Such as a passport, non-certified copy of a transcript or diploma, etc. CAUTION - Montana notaries cannot certify copies of documents issued by public entities unless they work in the office where the original document was produced or maintained. See Certified Copies and be sure you understand the difference!]:
(Have the person write this next sentence and then sign)
This is a true and exact copy of (describe document) in my possession on (date).
(Signed by the person)
State of___________________
County of________________
(Where you are performing the notarization)
Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on (date) by (name of person signing document).
Notary Public for the State of Montana(Title)
_____________________________
(Signature of notarial officer)
(SEAL, if any)
_____________________________
(Name - typed, stamped, or printed)
Residing at: _____________________________
(city where notary lives)
My commission expires: (Month/Day/Four digit Year)
5. For notarizing in a representative capacity [When the person has a Power of Attorney or is a Trustee or Officer of a corporation, etc., and is either signing before you or swearing he already signed the document]:
State of___________________
County of________________
(Where you are performing the notarization)
This instrument was (signed and sworn to) (acknowledged) before me on (date) by (name of person coming before you) as (type of authority – officer, trustee, attorney-in-fact, etc.) of (name of party or entity on behalf of whom the document was executed).
Notary Public for the State of Montana(Title)
_____________________________
(Signature of notarial officer)
(SEAL, if any)
_____________________________
(Name - typed, stamped, or printed)
Residing at: _____________________________
(city where notary lives)
My commission expires: (Month/Day/Four digit Year)
6. For verification of an oath or affirmation [This is a Jurat notarization. When the person is taking an oath or swearing to the truth and accuracy of the information as well as signing the document. See Fundamental Notarial Acts for more information].
State of___________________
County of________________
(Where you are performing the notarization)
Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on (date) by (name of person making statement).
Notary Public for the State of Montana (Title)
_____________________________
(Signature of notarial officer)
(SEAL, if any)
_____________________________
(Name - typed, stamped, or printed)
Residing at: _____________________________
(city where notary lives)
My commission expires: (Month/Day/Four digit Year
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