What is a notary required to confirm before notarizing a signature?

A notary is required to confirm the identity of the signer through satisfactory evidence before notarizing a signature. This is a critical step in the notarization process because the primary role of a notary public is to prevent fraud and ensure that the individuals involved in a transaction are who they claim to be.

To fulfill this requirement, notaries typically use accepted forms of identification, such as government-issued photo IDs, passports, or other reliable forms of evidence that can verify the signer’s identity. This helps maintain the integrity and security of the notarization process, ensuring that the document being signed is legally binding and that the parties involved are accountable.

Ensuring the identity of the signer does not involve assessing financial standing, confirming their willingness to proceed, or requiring the presence of an attorney. While these aspects may be pertinent in certain circumstances, they are not foundational requirements for the notarization of a signature itself. The focus remains squarely on the identification verification aspect, safeguarding all parties involved in legal and transactional matters.