3 questions signers should never ask Notaries

Question 1: “I don’t possess any identification — can you just skip that step?”

A common request from individuals without proper identification is to ask a Notary to skip the identification process and proceed with notarization without it. This is a request that should never be granted. As a Notary, it is imperative to always adhere to state Notary laws when verifying the identity of a signer. Some states allow for alternative methods of identification for signers lacking proper ID, such as credible identifying witnesses. However, if a signer requests notarization without being identified, the response should always be 'no'.

Question 2: “I require this signature to be notarized — but I cannot be present. Can you notarize it as a favor?”

Many Notaries have faced the loss of their commissions and costly lawsuits by agreeing to this request. If the individual who signed the document is not physically present during notarization, it is impossible to ascertain if the signature was made voluntarily or if it is genuine.

Under no circumstances should a request to notarize the signature of an absent individual be accepted without the signer being physically present, even if the requester is a spouse, relative, or friend. Instances have been reported where a trusted family member or colleague persuaded a Notary to proceed, only for the Notary to later discover that the request was fraudulent. In such cases, the Notary could face severe legal repercussions and be held liable for negligence.

Question 3: “I have a deadline to meet — can you alter the notarization date on the document to assist me?”

Many documents presented for notarization are time-sensitive, particularly real estate documents. Occasionally, a Notary may be asked to backdate or post-date the notarization date. It is crucial to understand that altering the date of a notarization on a notarial certificate is illegal in all states. Falsifying the date of a notarization is a criminal offense that could result in significant civil and criminal penalties against the Notary.