Can a notary notarize a signature that is not made in their presence?

A notarization must take place in the physical presence of the signer. This requirement is fundamental to the integrity of the notarization process. It ensures that the notary can verify the identity of the individual signing the document at the time it is being executed. This practice helps prevent fraud and ensures that the signer is acting voluntarily and understands the contents of the document.

More specifically, when the notary is present, they can adequately assess the signer's identification and confirm that they are signing the document willingly and without duress. Any scenario where a signature is notarized without the signer being present opens the possibility for misuse, misrepresentation, and invalidation of the notarized document.

The other options suggest alternative conditions under which a notarization may occur, but they do not comply with the established requirement that the notary must witness the signing in person to authenticate the act. Therefore, maintaining the presence of the signer during the notarization process is crucial for upholding the integrity of the notarial act.