Kentucky Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Kentucky is a certificate completed by a KY-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Kentucky law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Kentucky notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Kentucky notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all KY notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
4 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
Kentucky Acknowledgment Wording
Kentucky law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Kentucky county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Kentucky Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Kentucky's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, _______________, a Notary Public in and for the State and County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing instrument was on this day produced to me in my said county by _______________, who executed the same and acknowledged said instrument to be his/her act and deed.
Given under my hand this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public, Kentucky State at Large
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, _______________, a Notary Public, do hereby certify that _______________, who is personally known to me as the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged the execution of the foregoing instrument on behalf of said entity, and stated that he/she was duly authorized to execute the same.
Given under my hand this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public, Kentucky State at Large
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, _______________, a Notary Public, do hereby certify that _______________ and _______________ personally appeared before me this day and each acknowledged the execution of the foregoing instrument to be their respective act and deed.
Given under my hand this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public, Kentucky State at Large
My Commission Expires: _______________
Kentucky Notary Requirements
Kentucky has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Kentucky notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $1,000 surety bond is required for Kentucky notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in Kentucky
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in Kentucky
- Seal/Stamp: Kentucky notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Kentucky
Kentucky does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Kentucky must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by KY law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Kentucky Notary Fees
Kentucky regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Kentucky.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Kentucky Identification Requirements
Kentucky notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Kentucky.
Sample Kentucky Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Kentucky-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact KY statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF KENTUCKY
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Kentucky
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Kentucky Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Kentucky, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Kentucky Resources
Use these official resources to verify Kentucky notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Kentucky Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Kentucky, or that require KY notarization.
Kentucky Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
Kentucky Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
Kentucky Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
Kentucky Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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