What specific action must a notary take if the signer does not have proper ID?

In the context of notary practice, the requirement for proper identification is critical to ensuring the integrity of the notarization process. When a signer does not have acceptable identification, the most appropriate course of action for the notary is to refuse to notarize the document.

Requiring proper ID serves a dual purpose: it verifies the identity of the signer to prevent fraud and it protects the notary from liability issues that may arise from improperly notarizing a document. Notaries are expected to adhere to specific legal guidelines, which include confirming the identity of the individual before them. If a signer cannot provide acceptable identification, proceeding with the notarization would violate notary laws and regulations.

Continuing with the notarization without proper identification can expose the notary to legal consequences and undermine the trust in the notarization process. Asking for alternative forms of identification may seem like a valid option, but if those alternatives are not in alignment with the acceptable forms specified by Colorado notary law, it doesn't fulfill the legal requirements. Notifying law enforcement is also not an appropriate response since the absence of ID does not present a legal violation but rather a failure to meet identification standards for notarization.

Thus, the only responsible and legally sound action for a notary in this situation