Connecticut Notary Acknowledgment: Free Fillable Form & 2026 Wording
This content is educational and informational, not legal advice. The wording reflects the Connecticut Notary Public Manual and General Statutes, but the law can change and other forms are permitted. Confirm the current form with the Connecticut Secretary of the State before relying on it.
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Fillable Connecticut acknowledgment certificate
Enter the details and the certificate updates live with the statutory Connecticut wording. Copy the text or print it, then attach it to your document. The notary completes and signs the final certificate after verifying identity; this tool just prepares the correct form.
What is the exact Connecticut acknowledgment wording?
Connecticut's individual acknowledgment from the state Notary Public Manual uses the traditional long form, with the venue line carrying the "ss." notation and a Town or City.
State of Connecticut
County of ______ ss. ______ (Town/City)
On this the ______ day of ____________, 20____, before me, ____________ (name of notary), the undersigned officer, personally appeared ____________ (name of individual), known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged that he/she executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand.
Signature of Notary Public
My Commission Expires: ______
What does the "ss." in a Connecticut acknowledgment mean?
The "ss." in a Connecticut venue is an abbreviation of the Latin word "scilicet," meaning "namely" or "in particular," and it points to the specific town or city where the act happens. It sits between the county and the Town/City line and is a holdover from traditional certificate drafting that Connecticut still uses. New notaries often leave it out or misread it; it simply introduces the precise place of the acknowledgment and does not require anything extra from you.
Does a Connecticut notary need a seal?
No, a Connecticut notary is not required by law to use a seal, which makes the state unusual. A document is properly notarized in Connecticut with the notary's signature, the words "Notary Public," and the commission expiration date, even without a stamp. Many notaries still use a seal because out-of-state recipients expect one, but its absence does not invalidate a Connecticut notarization. If a seal is used and the notary dies, it must be defaced to prevent misuse.
| Element | Required in Connecticut? |
|---|---|
| Notary signature | Yes |
| Words "Notary Public" | Yes |
| Commission expiration date | Yes |
| Official seal or stamp | No, not required by law |
Who commissions notaries in Connecticut?
The Secretary of the State appoints Connecticut notaries for a five-year term, and a notary may perform acts anywhere in the state, since the commission is statewide rather than county-based. A notary must not notarize their own signature, and cannot act when the signer is outside Connecticut. The fee is capped at five dollars per act, plus thirty-five cents per mile of travel. Connecticut does not require a bond, exam, or journal, though keeping a journal is strongly encouraged.
What common mistakes void a Connecticut acknowledgment?
The frequent mistakes are omitting the commission expiration date, leaving out the words "Notary Public," and completing the certificate for a signer who did not personally appear. Connecticut law requires the signer to personally appear, so a notary cannot notarize for someone who is out of state or absent. Assisting a signer in completing a legal form is also prohibited, since the notary must remain impartial. A notary who is not an attorney should never advise on the form of a deed.
Connecticut acknowledgment: frequently asked questions
- Does a Connecticut notary need a stamp?
- No. A seal is not required by law. A Connecticut notarization is valid with the signature, the words "Notary Public," and the commission expiration date.
- What does "ss." mean on the Connecticut form?
- It abbreviates the Latin "scilicet," meaning "namely," and introduces the specific town or city in the venue. It requires nothing extra from the notary.
- How long is a Connecticut notary commission?
- Five years, appointed by the Secretary of the State. The commission is statewide, so a notary may act anywhere in Connecticut.
- Does the signer sign in front of the Connecticut notary?
- The signer must personally appear, but for an acknowledgment the document may have been signed beforehand. The signer then acknowledges the signature.
- Can a Connecticut notary act if the signer is out of state?
- No. A Connecticut notary has no authority to notarize when the signer is outside Connecticut; the signer must personally appear within the state.
Published June 13, 2026 by the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: Connecticut Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2023-2); Connecticut General Statutes Title 3, Chapter 33, and Title 1, Chapters 6 and 8. Confirm current wording before relying on it.