Which one of the following scenarios justifies a notary's refusal to act?

A notary is expected to ensure that the signer fully understands the document they are signing before proceeding with the notarization. If the notary has any belief that the signer does not comprehend the contents or implications of the document, it is within their ethical and legal duties to refuse to act. This helps protect the interests of the signer and maintains the integrity of the notarization process.

In contrast, while a damaged identification may raise concerns, it does not automatically negate the notary's ability to verify the identity of the signer if other forms of ID are acceptable. Nervousness in a signer is not a sufficient reason for refusal, as many people might naturally feel anxious when signing legal documents, and this does not imply a lack of understanding. Lastly, the absence of an expiration date on a document is typically not grounds for refusal either, as notarization is primarily concerned with verifying the identity of the signer and their willingness to sign rather than the specifics noted within the document itself.