Which dates are included on the certificate?

• A. Both the date of the document and the date of the certificate
• B. Date of Document
• C. Date of Certificate
• D. No date

Answer: (A)

The dates on a notary certificate show both when the document was signed (the document date) and when the notarial act was performed (the certificate date). Including both creates a clear timeline: the document’s date indicates when the instrument takes effect, while the certificate date records the exact day the notary witnessed the signing and affixed the seal. This helps prevent backdating and provides a precise record for verification and enforceability. In Texas practice, you’ll commonly see the certificate dated on the day of notarization, and the document itself may carry its own date, so both dates appear on the certificate to reflect the complete timeline.