What must a notary verify before notarizing a document?

Before notarizing a document, a notary must verify the signer's understanding of the document. This is crucial because the notary's primary role is to ensure that the signer is entering into the agreement willingly and with full comprehension of its contents and implications. By assessing the signer's understanding, the notary helps to prevent fraud and ensures that the transaction is valid. This verification process is integral to the notarial act, as it underscores the importance of informed consent in the execution of legal documents.

While other factors, such as age, financial status, or only the signature itself, may be relevant in different contexts, they do not encompass the full scope of the notary's responsibilities. For instance, verifying age is necessary for ensuring that the signer is of legal age, but it does not guarantee that they comprehend what they are signing. Similarly, assessing financial status is outside the purview of a notary's duties, as this concerns personal information that is irrelevant to the act of notarization. Lastly, simply checking the signature does not address whether the signer understands the document or is acting under duress.