What does a notary's signature on a notarial act not prove?

• A. The signature on the notarial act does not prove knowledge of the document's contents
• B. The signature proves the notary read every clause
• C. The signature proves identity only
• D. The signature indicates full agreement with contents

Answer: (A)

Notarial acts certify the execution and identity aspects, not the document’s contents. The notary’s signature and seal attest that the signer appeared, provided acceptable evidence of identity, and signed or acknowledged the instrument in the notary’s presence. This confirms who acted and that the act occurred, but it does not prove that the signer knows, reads, or agrees with what the document says. So the signature does not prove knowledge of the document’s contents. The notary isn’t validating understanding or accuracy of the text; those are outside the notarial duties.