What is required of notaries during a notarial act?

Notaries are required to verify the signer's identity and ensure that the signer understands the document during a notarial act. This involves confirming that the individual signing the document is who they claim to be, typically through an acceptable form of identification, such as a government-issued ID. Ensuring that the signer comprehends what they are signing is also critical, as a notary must ensure the integrity of the notarial process whereby individuals are acting voluntarily and with full awareness of their actions and implications.

This commitment to verifying identity and comprehension upholds the integrity of the notarial act and protects against fraud, ensuring that documents are executed correctly and that the intentions of the parties involved are respected. The task goes beyond mere witnessing of signatures; it is about maintaining the overall legality and authenticity of the notarization process.