If a signer is unable to read due to illiteracy or blindness, you must ensure that...

When a signer is unable to read due to illiteracy or blindness, the most important responsibility of the notary is to ensure that the signer is aware of what they are signing. This is crucial because a notary's role includes safeguarding the integrity of the signing process. It is essential to confirm that the signer comprehends the document's content and the implications of their acknowledgment.

Being aware of what they are signing means that the notary has taken the steps necessary to inform the signer about the nature of the document, its purpose, and its potential impacts. This understanding is fundamental to obtaining informed consent and preserving the legality of the notarization.

While understanding the consequences of signing and having a witness present might be important considerations, the primary obligation in this situation is to ensure that the individual comprehends the document's content. Repeating the document text would not be a valid assessment of understanding if the signer cannot read it in the first place. Thus, the emphasis is on awareness over other considerations in such scenarios.