In what scenario might a notary face liability for improper notarization?

A notary could face liability for improper notarization when failing to identify the signer. This is a critical aspect of a notary's responsibilities, as proper identification is essential to ensure that the individual signing the document is indeed who they claim to be and has the legal capacity to enter into the agreement. Failing to appropriately identify the signer can lead to issues of fraud or disputes over the authenticity of the document, which places the notary at risk of liability.

The other options, while they may have implications in a practical sense, do not carry the same level of legal risk. Incorrectly noting the date could result in administrative problems but does not directly invalidate the identity verification process. Not charging for services, while it may be a topic related to business practices, does not affect the legality of the notarization. Using the wrong seal color, similarly, may lead to procedural concerns but is less critical than ensuring the signer’s identity is verified. Therefore, the most significant liability concern for a notary lies in the failure to properly identify the signer.