What must notaries do before performing any notarial act?

Before performing any notarial act, it is essential for notaries to inform customers of any fees. This practice fosters transparency and ensures that individuals seeking notarial services are aware of the costs associated with those services. Notifying customers beforehand helps to prevent misunderstandings or disputes regarding payment later on.

While documenting the act in a notary journal is a necessary step for record-keeping and may be required by law in many jurisdictions, it typically occurs after the notarial act has been performed, rather than before. The requirement to verify with a second witness does not apply in most cases, as notaries generally perform their duties independently. Charging an upfront fee may not be appropriate depending on local regulations or the policies of the notary; thus, it is not a universal requirement prior to performing a notarial act.