What should an online notary do if they cannot verify the identity of a signer?

When an online notary cannot verify the identity of a signer, the appropriate course of action is to refuse to perform the online notarization. This is critical because a notary's main responsibility is to ensure that the individual signing the document is who they claim to be. If identity cannot be established, the notary cannot fulfill their duty to avoid fraud and uphold the integrity of the notarization process.

Refusing the notarization protects not only the notary from potential liability but also safeguards the interests of all parties involved in the transaction. It ensures that important legal documents are not improperly executed, which could lead to future disputes or challenges to the validity of the documents. Maintaining a strict adherence to verification protocols is vital in building trust in the notarial process.

While attempting to verify the signer again or documenting the issue might seem like reasonable actions, they do not address the fundamental problem of identity accreditation. Proceeding with a notarization under uncertain circumstances could result in significant legal implications, thus making refusal the only responsible option.