North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

Is it a violation for a notary to notarize a document before the signer has signed it?

1. True

2. False

The correct answer is: True

A notary is required to witness the signing of the document in person before performing the notarization. The primary function of a notary is to ensure the authenticity of the signatures on documents, and this duty is fulfilled by observing the signer signing the document. If a notary were to notarize a document before the signer has actually signed it, it would undermine the integrity of the notarization process. Such an action not only compromises the reliability of the notary's certification but could also lead to legal repercussions for both the notary and the signer. By requiring that the document be signed in the presence of the notary, the process helps to deter fraud and ensures that the individual signing the document is doing so willingly and knowingly. This essential step is a fundamental part of the notary’s legal obligations and upholds the trust placed in notaries as impartial witnesses. Therefore, notarizing a document before the signer has signed it is clearly a violation of standard notarial practice and ethics.