Acknowledgments look simple. They are one of the most common notarial acts we perform. But because they are so routine, they are also where notaries make the most mistakes. Small errors can cost credibility, delay closings, or even result in disciplinary action. Let’s break down the five big ones.

1. Incomplete certificates
Forgetting to fill in the venue, date, or signer’s name makes a certificate useless. A missing field is not just sloppy. It can invalidate the entire document.

2. Using non-compliant wording
Every jurisdiction has specific acknowledgment language. If you copy and paste, abbreviate, or use outdated forms, your certificate may not hold up. Always confirm that your wording is correct and current for your state.

3. Leaving blanks
A blank in an acknowledgment certificate is an open door for fraud. If you do not know what belongs in a field, stop and clarify before proceeding. Never leave space for someone else to fill in later.

4. Identity mismatch
Failing to verify that the signer’s identification matches the name on the document is one of the most dangerous mistakes a notary can make. If the acknowledgment certifies the wrong person, you have just legitimized a fraud.

5. Attaching the wrong certificate
Mixing up a jurat and an acknowledgment may seem minor, but it changes the entire nature of the notarization. Borrowers, attorneys, lenders, and courts notice.

Pro Tip: Slow down. A twenty-second review of every acknowledgment certificate before you hand back the documents can save you from fines, lawsuits, disciplinary action, or lost clients.

At Notary Academy, we emphasize that accuracy is not optional. Acknowledgments are not routine paperwork. They are legal statements made by a public officer, and every detail matters.

That is why our education focuses on more than just completing certificates. We train notaries to understand the purpose behind each act, apply proper judgment at the signing table, and recognize when something is not right before it becomes a problem.

Whether you are newly commissioned or have years of experience, tightening up your acknowledgment practices protects your commission, your reputation, and the public you serve.

Because professionalism shows in the details.
And in notarization, the details are the job.