What is essential to confirm when a signer directs another person to sign on their behalf?

When a signer directs another person to sign on their behalf, it is essential to confirm the identity of both the disabled signer and the person acting on their behalf. This is crucial for ensuring the validity of the signature and protecting the integrity of the notarization process.

The notary's role includes verifying that the person who is supposed to be signing— the disabled signer— is genuinely unable to sign themselves and that the person stepping in has the authority to do so. By confirming their identity, the notary can ensure that the transaction is legitimate and that the signer has given appropriate consent for another individual to sign on their behalf.

Understanding the identity of both parties helps prevent fraud and ensures that the intentions of the original signer are honored and legally documented, as the notary must document their observations regarding the signing event accurately. The other options, while important in their own contexts, do not address the critical aspect of identifying both the disabled signer and the representative.