How can a notary public verify a document presented for notarization?

A notary public verifying a document presented for notarization primarily involves examining the document for completeness and authenticity. This means checking that the document includes all necessary information and signatures, ensures that it adheres to any relevant legal requirements, and verifies its genuineness. This thorough examination helps the notary ascertain that the document is valid and ready for the signer's signature.

When it comes to notarization, it is essential for the notary to be diligent in ensuring that the document has no missing elements or flaws that could invalidate it. This verification process is crucial as it forms the foundation of the notary's responsibility to deter fraud and maintain the integrity of the notarization process.

Other methods, such as asking the signer to identify themselves verbally, while they can provide additional context in some situations, do not replace the need for a careful review of the document itself. Verifying identification does play a role in the process, but it is secondary to the thorough examination of the document for completeness and authenticity. Confirming the document's validity online may not always be possible or applicable, as not all documents are accessible in such databases. Simply notarizing a document without review would neglect the fundamental duty of the notary, risking the validity of the notarization and potentially