What can happen if the signer fails to complete the required sworn statement?

When the signer fails to complete the required sworn statement, the notarial act may be invalidated. This is because the validity of a notarial act is contingent on certain legal requirements being met, including the appropriate completion of sworn statements or acknowledgments. If the sworn statement is not properly executed, it undermines the legitimacy of the entire notarization process, potentially rendering the document unenforceable in legal contexts.

In a notarial act, the sworn statement serves as a declaration that the signer is providing truthful information. If this key requirement is neglected, the notary cannot confirm that the necessary conditions for the notarization were fulfilled, thus exposing the notarial act to challenges or disputes in the future.

The other choices do not accurately capture the implications of failing to complete a sworn statement. For instance, a notary is not obligated to correct the document; it's the responsibility of the signer to ensure all statements are complete and accurate. Furthermore, failing to complete a sworn statement does not lead to a lifetime prohibition against notarizing; it’s more about the specific instance of that notarization being invalid. Lastly, there is no mandate for the document to be stored indefinitely; the notary typically follows state regulations regarding document retention.