My Notarized Document Was Rejected -- Now What?!

It doesn't happen often, but it does happen: you get a document notarized, send it off for filing... but then it comes back rejected.

If this has happened to you, take a breath — Mark's clients know that he's the kind of person they can call when something goes sideways.

When Mark's your notary, he will make sure it gets fixed. But first...

Step 1: Find Out Exactly Why It Was Rejected

Before anything else, get a clear explanation from whoever rejected the document. Common reasons a document is rejected in California include an unclear or incomplete notary seal, a name discrepancy between the signer's ID and the document, the wrong type of notarial certificate being used, missing acknowledgment or jurat language, the document being notarized in the wrong jurisdiction, or the notary's commission having been expired at the time.

Step 2: Determine Whether It Can Be Corrected

Some issues can be resolved without starting over. If the notarial certificate language is wrong, a loose certificate with the correct language might be acceptable. If the seal was smudged, some agencies will accept a certified statement from the notary. Other issues — like the wrong person signing or the document being signed before the notary arrived — will require a fresh copy and a new appointment.

Step 3: Call Your Notary

A professional notary will want to know if something went wrong. Mark takes this seriously — he listens to what went wrong and will work with clients to correct the mistake so they can get back to their lives.

When you work with Mark, you pay for quality notary service AND error resolution. If Mark was your Notary, and your document was rejected for any reason — he will travel to you and redo the signed document at no extra cost.

Step 4: Confirm the Specific Requirements

Different documents and different receiving agencies have different requirements. Make sure you know exactly what format, certificate language, and stamps are needed before getting the document re-notarized.

Mark can help you ask the right questions and/or location this information. However, Mark cannot notarize documents that do not include the appropriate California Acknowledgement of Jurat language.

Step 5: Schedule a New Appointment

If a re-notarization is needed, prepare a fresh copy and book a new appointment. Mark will make sure the same problem doesn't happen twice.

Mark Orr Mobile Notary serves clients throughout Los Angeles County. Contact him to get your documents done right the first time.

CONTACT MARK HERE