Legal Definitions - notarial protest certificate

A notarial protest certificate is a document issued by a notary public that declares the following:

1. A holder in due course has recruited the notary public to present a previously refused or dishonored negotiable instrument.
2. The notary has presented the instrument to the person responsible for payment or acceptance (the drawee).
3. The instrument was presented at a given time and place.
4. The drawee refused or dishonored the instrument.

For example, if a person presents a check to a bank for payment, and the bank refuses to pay, the person can recruit a notary public to issue a notarial protest certificate. This certificate serves as notice to the bank and any other liable parties that the person can seek damages for the dishonored check.

Notarial protest certificates were commonly used in the past, but they are less common now due to changes in banking practices and laws.