The answer in MN since January 1, 2019, is the same as the answer will be in my state, VT, starting July 1, 2019. The answer can be found in the MN laws given here:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/358.52 (definitions, including definition of acknowledgement.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/358.66 (short form certifiates)
That is MN's version of the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts.
First, Mr. Clem Clarence Kadiddlehopper acknowledges to you that he signed for the purpose stated in the record and you use some method allowed by law to identify him. You check that throughout the instrument his name is written Clara Kadiddlehopper. Then you create this certficate:
State of Minnesota County of Ramsey
This instrument was acknowledged before me on 18 February 2019 by Clara Kadiddlehopper. /s/ PegiT_MN (Stamp) Notary Public My commission expires December 31, 2020
Then Matthew Magillicutty acknowledges he signed the record with proper authority and signed it as the act of Clara Kadiddlehopper, and you use an allowable method to identify him. You check that throughout the instrument the names are written Matthew Magillicutty and Clara Kadiddlehopper, not any longer or shorter version of the name. You fill out this certificate:
State of Minnesota County of Ramsey
This instrument was acknowledged before me on 18 February 2019 by Matthew Magillicutty as attorney in fact of Clara Kadiddlehopper. /s/ MegiT_MN (Stamp) Notary Public My commission expires: 31 December 2020
Once the Vermont law goes into effect July 1, the only difference between VT and MN is in the short form certificate, VT calls the document a record while MN calls it an instrument. In both states, we take the representative's word for it that he is signing as a representative, but we do put in the certificate both the name of the representative and the name of the principal. |