First, what is the notary certifying here? There is no notarial wording to tell us what notarization was needed. If the notary is acting as an authorized representative for someone in some capacity then that's not a notarial act and the stamp should not be used.
It is not known if a certificate was attached (I assume not) which has the wording that is needed with signatures and stamps in place. A lone notary stamp, with no notarial wording and no notary signature.. Ding.. Ding.. Ding..
While you could notarize a signature for someone that appears before you, you would need a separate certificate for that signature. And the signature needs to match the name on the ID you checked. Please tell me you checked the signer's valid ID. Ding...
https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2011/05/hotline-tip-notarize-document-signed-different-location
Best case for the notary, someone illegally gained access to her otherwise secured stamp while she was away and simply stamped the document without her being the wiser.
The notary could be ignorant as to how to notarize a document, any document.. and so perhaps suspension of commission pending training etc.. etc.. to the satisfaction of the SOS? Not my call.
Worst case the notary acted improperly with knowledge, showing no regard for the law and is liable- she loses her commission and the SOS does whatever more they can to make sure this is addressed. |
