What is a signer required to do before a notary can proceed with notarization?

Before a notary can proceed with the notarization of a document, it is essential for the signer to personally appear before the notary. This requirement is fundamental to the notarial process, ensuring that the notary can verify the identity of the signer and confirm their willingness to sign the document without any duress or coercion. The personal appearance allows the notary to assess whether the signer meets the legal requirements for notarization, including competence and the ability to understand the nature of the transaction.

In addition, the notary must ensure that the signer is physically present to maintain the integrity of the notarization process. Notarization aims to deter fraud and ensure the authenticity of signatures, and personal appearance is a key part of achieving this goal. The requirement for personal appearance helps uphold the trust and security inherent in the notarization process.

Other options, such as sending a scanned copy of the document in advance or filling out a notary request form, are not requirements for proceeding with notarization. While these actions may assist in the process or be useful in specific scenarios, they do not substitute for the necessity of the signer being physically present during the notarization. Similarly, while proof of residency may be helpful in some cases to establish identity, it is