Which of the following individuals can a notary public NOT take the acknowledgment of?

A notary public is responsible for ensuring that the person signing a document has the mental capacity to do so, which is why a notary cannot take the acknowledgment of a person with a court-adjudged mental illness. The law typically requires that individuals signing documents must understand the nature of what they are executing and be able to affirm their identity willingly. If someone has a mental illness that has been adjudicated by a court, it indicates that their ability to make sound decisions and understand their actions may be compromised, thereby making them unable to provide informed consent.

The other options present scenarios that do not inherently disqualify a person from having their acknowledgment taken. For instance, a notary can communicate with someone who speaks a different language, often utilizing interpreters. A person without identification may present challenges, but there are alternative methods for a notary to verify identity in compliance with specific legal requirements. Being over the age of 18 does not disqualify someone from acknowledging a signature; in fact, it is often a requirement for legal capacity to enter into contracts. Thus, the only option that clearly disallows acknowledgment is the one involving a court-adjudged mental illness.