What should a notary do if presented with a signer-drafted document without a notarial certificate?

When a notary encounters a signer-drafted document that lacks a notarial certificate, the most responsible action is to encourage the signer to seek legal advice. This is crucial because the absence of a notarial certificate means that the document does not meet the standard requirements for notarization, which typically includes a statement of acknowledgment and the identity verification process.

By recommending that the signer consult with an attorney, the notary is ensuring that the signer understands the implications of the document and can confirm that it meets all legal requirements necessary for their specific needs. This approach protects both the signer and the notary, as notarizing a document without proper certification could lead to legal issues or the document being deemed invalid.

Other options, such as notarizing the document regardless of its lack of a certificate or providing verbal assurances about its validity, could expose the notary to liability and undermine the integrity of the notarial process. Similarly, stamping any available certificate without proper context or relevance could also mislead the signer and compromise the legal standing of the document. Encouraging legal consultation is the safest and most ethical course of action in this scenario.