Notarizing Documents with Blank Spaces in Washington State – What You Need to Know!

You’re ready to sign, your ID checks out, but, uh oh, there are blank spaces in the document. Can a Washington State notary proceed, or do we have to stop? Here’s what you need to know about blank spaces and notarization in WA State.

Can I Get a Document Notarized with Blank Spaces?

Nope!  A notary in Washington State cannot notarize an incomplete document. Leaving blank spaces opens the door to fraud. Imagine signing a contract to sell your car but leaving the sale price blank-someone could fill in a different number later, leading to major legal headaches.

Many states, including WA, prohibit notarizing documents that are incomplete or have blank spaces that could later be altered.

Are There Exceptions?

Yes! Not all blanks mean a document is incomplete. Some are perfectly fine, such as:

•  Spaces for additional signatures – If a document requires multiple signatures but only one person is present, the notary can proceed as long as they document the situation in their journal.

•  Sections marked "For Official Use Only" – Some documents include blank spaces reserved for government officials or title companies. These are OK to leave blank.

•  Legal Exceptions – Some legal and financial documents allow for specific types of blank endorsements, but these are rare.

Notary Certificates Must Be Complete

Even when blanks in the main document are allowed, a notary's certificate can NEVER be left incomplete. Missing details, such as the date, location, or type of notarization, can cause the document to be rejected.

Who Fills in the Blanks?

A notary CANNOT complete any missing information in the main text of your document. If there are blanks, you or an authorized person must fill them in before the notarization can proceed.

Before meeting with a notary, double-check that your document is complete-no missing names, amounts, or key details. If you’re unsure whether blank spaces are an issue, I’m happy to take a look and let you know what’s needed before proceeding.

Need a reliable Washington State notary who follows the law? Let’s connect!

GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES

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