Which of the following actions is a notary certifying by completing a notarial certificate?

A notary certifies by completing a notarial certificate that the signer personally appeared before them. This is a fundamental requirement of notarization. It confirms that the notary has witnessed the signing of the document, thus verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring that they are acting of their own free will. The personal appearance of the signer is crucial because it allows the notary to validate the identity and capacity of the individual, minimizing the risk of fraud.

When a notary completes a certificate, they are not affirming the accuracy or completeness of the document itself; rather, they are certifying the fact that the signing occurred in their presence. This action provides a level of trust and authenticity to the document being notarized.