What action must be taken if a document is signed before the signer appeared before you?

In the context of notarization, it is essential for the notary public to witness the signing of the document in order to validate the act of notarization. If a document has been signed before the signer appears before the notary, the initial signature lacks the necessary oversight which is crucial for the integrity of the notarization process.

By requiring that the document be notarized again in the signer's presence, it ensures that the notary can verify the identity of the signer at the time of signing and confirm that the signature was made willingly and without coercion. This action effectively upholds the authenticity of the document, providing legal protection for parties involved, and aligns with the principles of proper notarial practice.

In contrast, simply attaching a separate certificate would not resolve the issue since the primary requirement of witnessing the signing would still not be fulfilled. Furthermore, the document cannot be considered valid without the proper notarization taking place after the signing, and affixing a notarial seal to a previous signature does not meet legal requirements nor does it provide the necessary assurance of legitimacy.