If an individual is unable to sign a record, what can they do?

When an individual is unable to sign a record, they can choose to direct another individual, who is not acting as the notarial officer, to sign on their behalf. This option is valid as it allows the person to still have their wishes represented in the document, while not putting the notary in a position of improperly signing for someone else.

It is important to understand that a notary cannot sign a document on behalf of another individual. The role of the notary is to verify the identity of the person signing the document and to ensure that the signing is done voluntarily and with an understanding of the content. Therefore, if the signer is unable to perform the act of signing, they must utilize someone else to do so, provided that the signer has given direction and consent. This maintains the integrity of the notarization process and upholds legal standards.

Choosing to sign the record later does not provide an immediate solution to the signing issue at hand. Leaving the record unsigned would not fulfill the necessary requirements for that document, rendering it incomplete and potentially ineffective. Asking the notary to sign on their behalf would violate the notary's duties and responsibilities.