Which of the following best describes a proof of execution?

• A. A record that the notary granted a power of attorney.
• B. A certificate verifying the signer appeared, acknowledged or proved the signature, and identified the signer.
• C. A certificate of notarial act validity.
• D. A certificate of the notary's attendance at a seminar.

Answer: (B)

A proof of execution is the notary’s certificate that confirms the signer appeared before the notary (or that the signer’s signature was proven), that the signer’s identity was established, and that the signer executed or acknowledged the instrument. This specific certificate is used to validate who signed and that the signing happened correctly, especially when the signer’s identity needs to be verified and the act of signing is proven or acknowledged.

So, the certificate that states the signer appeared, acknowledged or proved the signature, and was identified is the one that best fits the description of a proof of execution. The other options describe records or certificates that aren’t about confirming the signer’s execution or identity in the notarial act.