What is one responsibility of a notary public to ensure proper notarization?

A fundamental responsibility of a notary public is to verify the identity of the signer. This function is crucial to the notarization process because it helps maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of notarized documents. By confirming the identity of the person signing a document, the notary ensures that they are who they claim to be and that they are signing voluntarily and understanding the contents of the document.

This verification typically involves checking a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to ensure that the individual is indeed the signer named on the document. This step is vital in preventing fraud and ensuring that the notarization process adheres to legal standards.

In contrast, advising on legal matters or preparing legal documents falls outside the notary’s role and could lead to unauthorized practice of law, which is prohibited. Collecting fees is also a procedural aspect that relates to the notary's services, but it does not directly ensure that the notarization itself is performed correctly. This focus on identity verification is central to the notary’s duty, making it the correct and essential responsibility.