What Is a Minnesota Notary Acknowledgment?
A Minnesota notary acknowledgment form is a document that helps verify an individual’s signature on a document. It shows that:
- The signer appeared before the notary to acknowledge their signature.
- The notary public verified the signer’s identity.
- The notary public confirmed that the signer willingly signed the document.
Under MN Stat § 358.52, an acknowledgment made before a notary confirms that an individual signed the document for its intended purpose. Note that a notary public is not responsible for confirming whether the information within the document is true. Their only job is to verify the signer’s identity and make sure they are signing voluntarily.
Documents That Typically Require Notarization in Minnesota
Notarization helps show that a signature is real and can make a document more trustworthy. Some government agencies, courts, or other organizations may require notarization before they accept a document.
Here are some common documents that typically require notarization in Minnesota:
Other documents that may require notarization in Minnesota include:
- Bill of sale
- Promissory note
- Prenuptial agreement
- Postnuptial agreement
- Minor travel consent form
- Health care directive
Notarization requirements may vary based on the document and the organization receiving it. You should confirm the requirements before signing.
Legal Considerations for a Minnesota Notary Acknowledgment Form
Minnesota has rules for completing a notary acknowledgment. Knowing these requirements can help you avoid delays.
Certificate Wording
Minnesota provides acknowledgment certificate wording for notarizations under MN Stat §§ 358.65 – 66. The form typically includes the following information:
- The date of acknowledgment.
- The location where the acknowledgment took place.
- The signer’s name.
- The notary’s signature.
- The notary’s title and commission expiration date.
To save time, you can use Legal Templates’s free Minnesota notary acknowledgment form, which complies with state requirements.
Personal Appearance
Under MN Stat § 358.56, the signer must personally appear before the notary public to complete an acknowledgment. This helps the notary public verify the signer’s identity before completing the certificate.
Identity Verification
Notaries in Minnesota must verify the signer’s identity before completing the acknowledgment. They can do this by personal knowledge of the signer or by reviewing their government-issued identification, such as a passport or a driver’s license (MN Stat § 358.57). Alternatively, a credible witness, as long as they show proof of their identity, can attest to the signer’s identity under oath.
Notary Signature and Stamp
The notary public must sign and apply their official stamp to complete the acknowledgment (MN Stat § 359.085). These details can help confirm that the notarization was performed by an authorized notary.
Individuals Unable to Sign
If a person cannot physically sign a document due to a disability or medical condition, Minnesota law allows alternative methods of signing under MN Stat § 645.44, Subd. 14. Depending on the situation, the person may:
- Sign with a mark
- Direct another person to sign on their behalf
- Use an approved signature stamp
Is Remote Online Notarization Legal in Minnesota?
Yes, remote online notarization is legal in Minnesota. The state passed Senate File 893, effective January 1, 2019, which allowed online notarial acts using remote communication technology.
A remote online notary public must conduct their notarial acts via approved communication technology (MN Stat § 358.645) and a live audio-video call. They must also be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State. They can register by completing the Remote Online Notarization Authorization Registration Form.
Before completing notarization, the notary must verify the signer through:
- Credential analysis
- Identity proofing
- Remote presentation
These steps help confirm the signer’s identity and support the validity of the notarial act.
The signer can be located anywhere, but the notary public must be physically located in Minnesota to perform RON. If the signer is located outside the US, the form must include specific wording as set forth in MN Stat. § 358.66.
Sample Minnesota Notary Acknowledgment
View a sample Minnesota notary acknowledgment form below as a reference. The sample shows you the information typically required when completing the acknowledgment certificate. You can complete yours easily using Legal Templates’s guided questionnaire to fill in your details and download it as a PDF or Word document.
