What is required of a notary to properly authenticate a signature on a document?

The requirement for a notary to properly authenticate a signature on a document is that the notary must verify the identity of the signer. This verification process is crucial as it ensures that the person signing the document is who they claim to be, thus helping to prevent fraud and protecting the integrity of the notarial act.

To verify the identity, the notary typically examines valid identification, which may include government-issued photo IDs, to ensure they match the individual present for the signing. This step is essential because it helps establish the signer’s intent to sign the document and their understanding of the significance of their action.

In contrast, while having a witness present, requiring a full identification document, or needing the original signed document can be important in various contexts, they are not universally required for the notarial act itself under Ohio law. Each of these factors can differ based on specific situations or types of documents but do not serve as the foundational requirement for the notary's role in authenticating a signature.