What should I do if I am personally involved in the document?

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• Can I notarize a document if the signer is not present?

  No not ever. The signer must personally appear before the notary either: Physically in person Through an approved Remote Online Notarization (RON) platform where permitted by law Notarizing without proper appearance is a serious violation.

• What should I do if a document is blank or incomplete?

  You should refuse the notarization until the document is properly completed. Notaries should not notarize documents containing blank spaces or missing pages that could later be altered improperly.

• Why is identity verification important?

  Identity verification is one of the most important responsibilities of a notary public. Proper identification helps: Prevent fraud Confirm signer identity Protect document integrity Ensure lawful notarizations

• Can I notarize documents written in another language?

  This depends on your state’s laws and the circumstances of the notarization. In some situations, foreign-language documents may be notarized if: The signer understands the document The notarial certificate can be properly completed The notarization ...

• Can a notary refuse a notarization request?

  Yes. A notary may refuse if: The signer cannot be properly identified The document is incomplete The request appears unlawful The signer appears unwilling or unaware The transaction violates state law or ethics