Florida Notary Practice Exam

What should a notary verify regarding the signer when performing a notarial act?

1. That the signer is an employee

2. That the signer understands the document

3. That the signer is a government official

4. That the signer is paying a fee

The correct answer is: That the signer understands the document

When a notary public performs a notarial act, it is essential for them to verify that the signer understands the document they are signing. This verification is crucial because the purpose of notarization is to ensure that the individual is entering into an agreement willingly and with full knowledge of the document's implications. Understanding what they are signing protects the integrity of the process and helps prevent fraud, as a signer who does not understand the contents of the document may be signing under duress or due to misunderstanding. Therefore, ensuring comprehension supports the legal enforceability of the document and affirms the notary's role in upholding ethical standards. Other choices, such as verifying if the signer is an employee or a government official, do not pertain to the fundamental responsibilities of a notary. These factors are not required for notarization, as the notary's primary concern is with the legality and understanding of the document rather than the signer's professional status or whether a fee is involved.