What must a notary do if there are discrepancies during the notarization?

A notary must proceed with caution and document discrepancies that arise during the notarization process because careful documentation provides a record of what occurred, which can help in case of future disputes or inquiries concerning the notarization. Notaries are responsible for ensuring that the information they are notarizing is accurate and that the signer is who they claim to be. By documenting any discrepancies, the notary protects themselves legally and maintains the integrity of the notarization process.

While it may be necessary to consider refusing to notarize if the discrepancies cannot be resolved, or to contact the Secretary of State in certain serious situations, simply documenting the discrepancies is a fundamental step that allows the notary to address the situation appropriately. Additionally, stopping the process until the signer is satisfied without addressing the discrepancies may not resolve the underlying issues. Hence, proceeding with caution and maintaining thorough records is essential for compliance with notarial duties.