Minnesota § 359.085 - STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR NOTARIAL ACTS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 359.085 — STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR NOTARIAL ACTS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 359.085. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR NOTARIAL ACTS
Subdivision 1.Acknowledgments.
In taking an acknowledgment, the notarial officer must determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the person appearing before the officer and making the acknowledgment is the person whose true signature is on the instrument or electronic record.
Subd. 2.Verifications.
In taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, the notarial officer must determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the person appearing before the officer and making the verification is the person whose true signature is made in the presence of the officer on the statement verified.
Subd. 3.Witnessing or attesting signatures.
In witnessing or attesting a signature, the notarial officer must determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the signature is that of the person appearing before the officer and named in the document or electronic record. When witnessing or attesting a signature, the officer must be present when the signature is made.
Subd. 4.Certifying or attesting documents.
In certifying or attesting a copy of a document, electronic record, or other item, the notarial officer must determine that the proffered copy is a full, true, and accurate transcription or reproduction of that which was copied.
Subd. 5.Making or noting protests of negotiable instruments.
In making or noting a protest of a negotiable instrument or electronic record, the notarial officer must determine the matters set forth in section 336.3-505.
Subd. 6.Satisfactory evidence.
A notarial officer has satisfactory evidence that a person is the person whose true signature is on a document or electronic record if that person (i) is personally known to the notarial officer, (ii) is identified upon the oath or affirmation of a credible witness personally known to the notarial officer, or (iii) is identified on the basis of identification documents.
Subd. 7.Prohibited acts.
A notarial officer may not acknowledge, witness or attest to the officer's own signature, or take a verification of the officer's own oath or affirmation.
Subd. 8.
[Repealed, 2007 c 148 art 2 s 84]
History:
2000 c 483 s 53; 2006 c 260 art 7 s 10; 2007 c 148 art 2 s 66,67
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 359.085
What does Minnesota Statutes § 359.085 cover?
Section 359.085 ("STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR NOTARIAL ACTS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 359.085?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 359.085" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 359.085 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.