What must a notary do if they witness a signature but the signer is not present?

In situations where a notary witnesses a signature but the signer is not present, the notary must refuse to complete the notarization. This is because the presence of the signer is a fundamental requirement for a valid notarization. A notary must verify the identity of the signer and ensure that the signing is done willingly and without duress. If the signer is absent, the notary cannot fulfill these essential duties.

Completing a notarization without the signer's presence undermines the integrity of the notarization process and could expose the notary to legal liabilities. Not being able to confirm that the signer has authorized the document or understands its contents raises significant concerns regarding consent and authenticity.

In contrast, looking to witness signatures from other individuals or calling the signer to confirm consent does not comply with the notarial standards required for valid notarization. Those actions do not address the necessity of physically verifying the signer's identity and presence at the time of signing, which is crucial for ensuring that the notarization is executed properly and legally. Thus, the refusal to complete the notarization is the correct action in this scenario.