What must be done if the signer does not appear before the notary?

When a signer does not appear before the notary, the notary must decline to perform the notarial act. This is fundamental to the notarization process, as the presence of the signer is a critical requirement for a valid notarization. Notaries are responsible for verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring that they are signing willingly and are aware of the contents of the document. If the signer is not physically present, the notary cannot fulfill this obligation, which could compromise the integrity and legality of the notarized document.

It's essential for notaries to maintain strict adherence to these guidelines to protect themselves from liability and ensure that the notarization process upholds legal standards. Other options such as proceeding with the notarization, simply noting this in the journal, or rescheduling the appointment do not comply with the notarial rules and responsibilities established by law.