Which of the following must a notary verify before executing a notarization?

A notary's primary responsibility is to ensure the authenticity of signatures and the identity of the individuals involved in the notarization process. Therefore, verifying the signer's identity is essential before executing a notarization. This verification process typically includes checking an official form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to confirm that the person signing the document is indeed who they claim to be. This step protects against fraud and ensures that the notarization complies with legal standards.

While understanding the content of the document, residency status, and ability to pay may be relevant in other contexts, they are not part of the core responsibilities of a notary. The notary's primary role is to witness the signing of documents and verify that the signatures are legitimate, emphasizing the importance of confirming identity as a safeguard for all parties involved.