18d (edited) • Ask NJNA
ASK NJNA: Why is a notary form requesting a Social Security #?
QUESTION RECEIVED VIA NJNA WEBSITE:
I was completing a notarial certificate, and it was asking for a social security number. Why would they do this?
NJNA RESPONSE:
Great question! And one we’re glad you asked!
Upon further review, the document was not requesting a Social Security number. Instead, it included the letters “SS” within the venue portion of the notarial certificate. This is very common in traditional notarial wording and typically appears like this:
STATE OF NEW JERSEY _____ }
_____________________________ } SS
COUNTY OF MERCER ________}
The “SS” shown here is not a reference to a Social Security number. It is an abbreviation of the Latin term scilicet, meaning “namely”, “to wit", or "in particular".
In notarial practice, it simply designates the venue (the location where the notarial act is performed).
In other words, it is a historical legal abbreviation identifying where the notarization took place, nothing more.
If you ever encounter wording in a certificate that is unclear, always take a moment to review it carefully before proceeding. When in doubt, consult the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services Notary Public Manual or reach out to NJNA for guidance.
We’re always here to help clarify these common (and sometimes confusing!) notarial terms.
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ASK NJNA: Why is a notary form requesting a Social Security #?
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