What is the required action for a signer who is illiterate?

When a signer is illiterate, one acceptable action they can take is to make a mark on the document. This is often allowed as a substitute for a signature. The notary public must then provide an acknowledgment that the mark was made by the signer as their intended signature. This procedure helps protect the rights of individuals who may not be able to read or write, ensuring they can still participate in legal and official documentation while maintaining the integrity of the notarization process.

In situations where the signer cannot read the document or write their name, making a mark is a recognized legal method for authenticating their intention to sign. It is the responsibility of the notary to confirm that the individual understands the nature of the document before they make their mark and to document this process adequately.

Other actions such as having someone sign for them (which might not comply with the legal requirements), solely acknowledging the document verbally without a mark, or outright denying the notarization based on illiteracy do not fulfill the legal protocols established for such circumstances. Therefore, allowing a mark provides a practical and legally sound solution for illiterate signers.