If you’ve ever reviewed a notarized document, especially one involving legal or government matters, you may have noticed a small notation labeled “SS” in the header section. To the untrained eye, it might seem cryptic or irrelevant, but in the world of notarial law, this simple abbreviation holds historical and procedural significance.
In this blog, we’ll explain what “SS” stands for on a notary document, why it’s used, and what it means for you as a signer or notary public.
What Is “SS” in Notarial Language?
The abbreviation “SS” typically appears in the preamble of a notary certificate. “SS” stands for the Latin term “Scilicet”, which roughly translates to “namely,” “to wit,” or “in particular.” It functions as a traditional legal term used to indicate the location where the notarization is taking place. It’s essentially a signal word introducing the jurisdictional statement.
Why Is “SS” Still Used?
Although “SS” is a holdover from older legal traditions, it remains widely used for consistency and historical precedent. Legal documents—especially those intended to be valid across jurisdictions—tend to preserve language that reinforces authenticity and universality.
Using “SS” isn’t legally required in every case, but it can help maintain a standardized structure in official documents. Many notary certificates and templates still include it by default.
What Purpose Does “SS” Serve?
“SS” helps clarify:
- The venue where the notarization occurred (state and county)
- The authority of the notary (based on their commission in that jurisdiction)
- Jurisdictional clarity for courts or officials who may later need to interpret the document
This is especially important when documents are being notarized for out-of-state or international use. A clearly stated venue—introduced by “SS”—removes ambiguity and reinforces legal validity.
Does the Notary Need to Write “SS”?
Typically, “SS” is preprinted on most notarial certificates, so the notary doesn’t need to add it manually. The notary’s primary responsibility is to:
- Confirm the venue listed is correct
- Ensure the rest of the certificate is completed accurately
- Affix their seal and signature properly
However, if a notary is creating a custom certificate or working with a nonstandard document, they may choose to include “SS” for completeness.
Common Mistakes Related to “SS”
Some common misunderstandings or errors with “SS” include:
- Leaving out the county name: The “SS” heading should always be followed by both the state and county where the notarization occurs.
- Assuming it stands for Social Security: The abbreviation has nothing to do with Social Security numbers or benefits—it’s strictly a legal term.
- Removing it without understanding its role: While not always required, omitting “SS” without understanding its purpose may result in rejected or challenged documents—especially for out-of-state or legal filings.
When Is “SS” Not Necessary?
Not every notarial act requires the inclusion of “SS.” For example:
- Some modern digital platforms omit it in e-notarizations
- Certain simplified forms (like acknowledgments for DMV use) may skip traditional formatting
- Private documents for internal use may not follow formal notarial certificate structure
Still, when in doubt—especially for official, cross-border, or legal use—using a standardized certificate that includes “SS” is recommended.
Who Ensures “SS” Is Used Correctly?
The notary is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the certificate attached to a document is complete and compliant with state law. While the signer doesn’t need to understand every detail, the notary must know what each part means—including “SS”—and when it applies.
This is why working with an experienced, detail-oriented notary makes a big difference. For those located in Orange County, you can rely on a notary in Newport Beach to ensure your documents are handled properly, with clear and compliant notarial certificates every time.
Final Thoughts
While it might seem like a mysterious or outdated mark, “SS” plays a small but meaningful role in maintaining clarity and jurisdictional integrity in notarized documents. It reflects the notary’s authority in a specific location and helps ensure that your document holds up to scrutiny in legal or official settings.
Understanding the function of “SS” is just one part of demystifying the notarial process—an essential step whether you’re signing real estate paperwork, legal affidavits, or international agreements.
