What should a notary do if asked to witness a signature on a document that is already signed?

In situations where a notary is asked to witness a signature on a document that has already been signed, the appropriate course of action is to have the signer sign the document again in the notary's presence. This ensures that the notary can perform their official duties accurately and in compliance with legal standards.

Witnessing a signature is a critical part of the notarial process, as the notary must verify the identity of the signer and ensure that they are willingly signing the document. If the document is already signed, the notary cannot properly perform their duties and attest to the authenticity of that signature without witnessing the act firsthand. By asking the signer to sign again, the notary can confirm that the signer is still in agreement with the document and can provide proper notarial certification on the new signature.

This approach not only fulfills the requirements of the notarial act but also serves to protect both the signer and any parties relying on the document from potential issues regarding the validity of the signature. Thus, having the signer sign again reflects due diligence and adherence to proper notarial practices.