As I interpret it, my state requires the signer to say if he is signing for himself or is a representative. If he doesn't say, I'm supposed to ask.
I believe I am then required to indicate in the certificate if he is a representative or not.
California uses the same certificate whether the signer is signing for herself or is signing in an authorized capacity. The phrase in the CA certificate is "his/her/their authorized capacity(ies)". Of course, every sane adult has the capacity to sign for herself. Some people are also representatives who are authorized to sign for another individual or entity. The California certificate doesn't inform the reader whether the signer signed for herself or for someone else. Therefore I consider it incorrect for a Vermont notary to use it. |