> ## Knowledge Base Index
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> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
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# What's the difference between a "Notary Certificate" and a "Digital Signing Certificate"

A **Digital Signing Certificate** is automatically embedded into your PDF File when session is completed.  Each BlueNotary user has their own unique, identifiable Digital Signing Certificate that is automatically generated for you. See how to view DC on a document.

${youtube}[Digital Certificate FAQ](CMUGCDmT614)

|| **Please note:** the downloadable Digital Certificate is a .p12 file. There is nothing viewable upon opening this file as it is an encryption file. 

${youtube}[How to View a Digital Certificate after Automatic Generation](cZN5g-a8clk)

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A **Notary Certificate** is a written statement, signed and sealed by the notary public, that certifies the facts of a notarial act. For all notarial acts requiring a certificate, a notary must complete a notary certificate.  The two most common notarial acts notaries are requested to perform are administering oaths and taking acknowledgments. (This is something that you will need to upload your own version of)

Here are some examples of Notary Certificates.  You may need to do some digging to find one suitable to your state and jurisdiction.  They can often be found with a quick google search.  Be sure to check with your SOS.  We have a [full list of examples of Notary Certificates from each State](https://bluenotary.crisp.help/en/article/loose-leaf-short-form-notary-certificate-examples-1g56w8i/) as well.


![Texas Notary of Certificate (Certificate of Acknowledgement Announcement)](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/ad6f70f312c99800/image_b8rynu.png)


![Arizona Notary Certificate Example](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/ad6f70f312c99800/image_5krakp.png)