What must a notary do if their signature is not recognizable on a notarial certificate?

When a notary's signature is not recognizable on a notarial certificate, it is essential for the notary to legibly print their notary public name next to the signature. This practice ensures clarity and verification of the notary's identity, thereby enhancing the document's integrity. The primary function of a notary's signature is to signify that they have performed the notarial act, and if the signature is unclear, it may lead to challenges regarding the validity of the notarization.

By printing the notary's name alongside the signature, it provides a clear reference point for individuals who may be reviewing the document. This additional step helps to eliminate confusion and verifies that the signature belongs to the notary listed on the certificate.

In contrast, merely photocopying the signature does not resolve the issue of clarity and adds no further context. Changing the signature style could lead to inconsistencies and confusion in recognition, while using red ink does not inherently provide any necessary identification or clarity regarding the signature itself. Therefore, legibly printing the notary's name is the most effective method to ensure the document is properly recognized and understood.