What should the notary do if their signature is not legible?

When a notary's signature is not legible, the appropriate action is to print the name legibly near the signature. This practice ensures that there is a clear connection between the signature and the notary's identity, which is crucial for the validity of the notarization. It helps to avoid any confusion that may arise during the verification of the notary's credentials and the authority behind the notarization.

Printing the name alongside the signature provides clarity and enhances the document's trustworthiness, especially in situations where the signature might be hard to read. This is important for maintaining professional standards in notarization and ensuring compliance with legal requirements that often stipulate legibility in notarial acts.

In contrast, leaving the signature as is may result in potential challenges during the authentication process, while using a different pen does not address the core issue of legibility. Asking the signer to print their name diverts focus from the notary's responsibility to ensure their own signature is recognizable. Hence, printing the name legibly near the signature is the best course of action to uphold the integrity of the notarization.