If someone tries to alter the instrument after notarization, what should the notary do?

• A. Proceed with the alteration after re-notarizing.
• B. Refuse to certify the alteration and request proper correction or re-notarization.
• C. Ignore the alteration.
• D. Seal and notarize the altered portion separately.

Answer: (B)

When a document has been altered after it has been notarized, the notary’s authority to certify it ends up compromised because the seal is tied to the content as it existed at the time of notarization. The proper action is to refuse to certify the altered content and require proper correction or re-notarization. Have the document corrected so the content matches what was intended and re-notarized, or prepare a new instrument and notarize that anew. Ignoring the alteration or attempting to notarize only the changed portion would misrepresent the document and undermine the notary’s role.