What is a requirement for a notarial certificate to be valid?

For a notarial certificate to be valid, the signer's presence during the notarization is essential. This requirement ensures that the notary confirms the identity of the signer and that the signing is voluntary and genuine. The presence of the signer allows the notary to ascertain that the person is physically there to execute the document and is not being coerced. This foundational aspect of notarization helps maintain the integrity of the notarial act and protects against fraud.

Other options do not meet the criteria for validity in the same way. The type of ink used is typically not specified as a critical factor for the validity of a notarial certificate, the requirement for a witness can vary by jurisdiction and is not universally necessary, and there is no requirement for a document to be signed in front of two notaries. Thus, the presence of the signer is a key element in establishing a valid notarization process.