A notary is asked to notarize a document where the signer has already signed the document once, by someone else. Under what condition may the notary proceed?

• A. Only if the signer is the same person as the previous signer and the signer’s identity is verified and the act is proper.
• B. Always; prior signatures do not affect notarization.
• C. Never; a document cannot be notarized if previously signed.
• D. Only if the signer provides permission from the previous signer.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a notarization on a document that has already been signed by someone else is allowed only if the signer now is the same person who signed before, and their identity is verified again with a proper notarial act. This safeguards the integrity of the notarization: the notary is confirming the identity of the person who is signing (or re-signing) and that the document is being notarized correctly, not certifying a signature by a different person. If the signer is not the same person, or if the signer’s identity cannot be verified, or the notarial act isn’t properly completed, the notary should not proceed. Permissions from the prior signer don’t substitute for verifying identity and the proper execution of the notarial act.