What are critical requirements of a notarial act?

A critical requirement of a notarial act is the personal presence of the signer and the identification of the signer. Notaries must ensure that the individual who is signing the document is physically present at the time of the notarial act. This is essential to confirm their identity and to establish that they are willingly entering into the agreement being notarized. The notary is responsible for verifying that the individual is who they claim to be, typically through an acceptable form of identification.

This process helps prevent fraud and ensures the integrity of the notarization. By confirming the identity of the signer and witnessing the signing, the notary can provide assurance that the signature on the document is legitimate and that the signer understands the implications of the act.

The other options may include tasks or actions that can be associated with the notarial process but do not represent the essential requirements for a valid notarial act. For example, while documenting the act is important, it is not as critical as ensuring the personal presence and identity verification of the signer involved.