What does a notarial certificate include?

A notarial certificate is a crucial component of a notarized document, serving as evidence that the notary has performed their duties. It includes specific information such as the date of the notarization, the type of notarization conducted, and a declaration that the document was signed in the presence of the notary. Moreover, the notarial certificate must bear the notary's signature and seal, which authenticates the document. This helps establish the legitimacy of the notarization, providing assurance to third parties that the identity of the signer has been verified, and that the signing was done voluntarily and without coercion.

The other options do not accurately represent what a notarial certificate entails. A detailed legal report is not a standard part of a notarization, as the certificate's purpose is primarily to confirm the authenticity of the act of signing rather than to provide a comprehensive legal analysis. A summary of the notarization process is also not included in the certificate; rather, the certificate serves as a formal declaration of what occurred during the notarization itself. Lastly, while notarial acts may involve various forms, the notarial certificate is not classified as an official government form, but rather as a bespoke statement affirming the specific details of the notarization performed.