What should a notary do if they find a mistake in a notarized document?

When a notary discovers a mistake in a notarized document, the appropriate action is to prepare a new document and include the correction. This action ensures that the document reflects the true intentions of the parties involved, maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the notarized record.

By creating a new document, the notary signifies that the error is being addressed properly, rather than attempting to alter the original document, which could potentially raise questions about the legitimacy of the notarization. It is crucial for notaries to avoid making any unauthorized modifications to the original notarized document, as this could invalidate the notarization and create legal issues.

Leaving the document as is or attempting to correct it in an informal manner would not resolve the mistake and could lead to complications or misunderstandings for the parties relying on the accuracy of the document. Engaging the signer to discuss the mistake is also not sufficient on its own, as a new, accurate document is necessary to formally correct the record.