A notary is required to verify which of the following during a notarization?

The requirement for a notary to verify the identity of the signer is fundamental to the notarization process. This step ensures that the individual appearing before the notary is indeed who they claim to be, which helps to prevent fraud and protects the integrity of the notarization. By confirming the signer's identity through valid identification or other means, the notary fulfills a critical duty, establishing that the person is making a voluntary signature on the document.

While the other options may involve important aspects of a notary's role, they do not align with the core verification tasks required during notarization. The notary does not typically assess the contents of the document in detail or validate the specific laws of the state at that moment. Furthermore, understanding prior agreements between parties is outside the scope of the notary's responsibilities, as their primary function is to witness the signing process and verify identities rather than engage in the substantive agreements of the parties involved.