What does the notary certify with an acknowledgment?

The notary certifies the signer’s intent to sign the document with an acknowledgment. This means that when a notary public performs an acknowledgment, they verify that the signer is willingly and knowingly signing the document, and that they understand what they are signing. The acknowledgment process ensures that the signer has reviewed the document and is executing it of their own free will, which is a crucial aspect of preventing fraud and ensuring that the signing is legitimate.

While the other options do touch on important aspects of notarial acts, they do not accurately reflect the primary function of an acknowledgment. For example, the notary does not certify the accuracy or legality of the content within the document; this responsibility lies with the parties involved in the creation of the document. Instead, the focus of the acknowledgment is specifically on the signer’s intent and the sincerity of their signature.