What must a notary do after receiving the original signed document?

A notary must complete the notarial certificate and sign it after receiving the original signed document. This step is crucial because the notarial certificate provides an official record of the notarization process, affirming that the document has been properly acknowledged in the presence of the notary. It includes key details such as the date of the notarization, the signature of the notary, a description of the document, and often a notary seal.

Completing the notarial certificate ensures that the notarization is legally valid and serves as proof that the signature on the document was executed freely and is authentic. This action also helps maintain the integrity of the notarial process, as it confirms that all necessary steps were taken and documented appropriately.