Yes, Heather, that may have been true in 2014. Things change.
Looking at the 2023 California Notary Handbook, I noticed the following Note after the verbiage for Acknowledgment, Jurat and Certificate for Proof of Execution by a Subscribing Witness:
"Note: California notarial law does not provide a provision requiring a California notary public
to cross out, or not cross out, pronouns such as he/she/they, on a notarial certificate. An
acknowledgment cannot be affixed to a document mailed or otherwise delivered to a notary
public whereby the signer did not personally appear before the notary public, even if the signer
is known by the notary public. Also, a notary public seal and signature cannot be affixed to a
document without the correct notarial wording." -- (acknowledgment is replaced by Jurat when appropriate)
To answer ananotary's question ... I haven't been faced with that situation yet. If and when it happens, I believe I would ask the signer what his/her preference is, go by that and make a notation in my journal. If the signer claims to be non-binary, I would not touch those pronouns and make a notation in my journal. I know it's easier and less time consuming to not strike out/circle/underline, etc. However, as has been stated (by, I believe, Janet) this is our little contribution to deter fraud.
jmo
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