Can a notary public sign a blank affidavit or certificate of acknowledgment?

A notary public cannot sign a blank affidavit or certificate of acknowledgment because doing so would undermine the very purpose of notarization, which is to verify the identity of the signers and the validity of the documents. Notarization requires that the notary ensures that the signer is aware of the contents of the document and is signing it voluntarily. If a notary were to sign a blank document, it would open the door to misuse or fraudulent activity, as anyone could fill in the document's contents after the notary's signature has been affixed.

The integrity of the notarization process relies on the notary actively witnessing the signing of a complete document, ensuring that all parties understand the implications of what they are signing. This is critical in maintaining trust in the legal and official documentation processes. Therefore, signing a blank affidavit or acknowledgment certificate is strictly prohibited to prevent potential fraud and to uphold the standards of the notarial office.