Before notarizing, what should a notary confirm about the signer?

• A. The signer's favorite language
• B. Identity and capacity as the signer
• C. Height and weight
• D. The signer's favorite color

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to verify who is signing and that they are authorized and capable to sign. A notary must confirm the signer’s identity using satisfactory evidence, typically a government-issued photo ID, and also confirm the signer has the capacity to sign—meaning they understand the document and are signing voluntarily. If someone is signing on behalf of another person or a company, the signer must show they have proper authority (like a power of attorney or corporate authorization). The signer must not be a minor or otherwise legally unable to sign, and there must be no coercion or fraudulent pressure.

These checks ensure the notarization attaches to a real, legitimate signature. Factors such as language preference, height/weight, or favorite color do not establish identity or signing authority and therefore aren’t relevant to whether you should notarize. If identity or capacity can’t be established, the notary should not proceed.