What is required about signatures on the notarized document?

• A. Signatures may be typed
• B. All signatures must be original and in ink
• C. Signatures may be stamped
• D. Signatures can be photocopied

Answer: (B)

Signatures must be original and in ink because the notary’s job is to verify that the person actually signed the document in their presence. An ink, handwritten signature provides a real, verifiable act of signing, whereas typed, stamped, or photocopied signatures cannot reliably prove who signed or when they did it. In practice, the signer signs the document in front of the notary, and then the notary adds the notarial certificate with the notary’s own signature and seal to confirm the act. Substituting a typed, stamped, or copied signature would undermine the notarization’s authenticity, so the required standard is that all signatures are original and in ink.