protest certificate
protest certificate. A notarial certificate declaring (1) that a holder in due course has recruited the notary public to present a previously refused or dishonored negotiable instrument, (2) that the notary has presented the instrument to the person responsible for payment or acceptance (the drawee), (3) that the instrument was presented at a given time and place, and (4) that the drawee refused or dishonored the instrument. • In former practice, the notary would issue a protest certificate, which could then be presented to the drawee and any other liable parties as notice that the holder could seek damages for the dishonored negotiable instrument. — Also termed notarial protest certificate. See NOTICE OF DISHONOR. [Cases: Bills and Notes 408. C.J.S. Bills and Notes; Letters of Credit § 211.]
