What must a notary verify before proceeding with notarization?

Before proceeding with notarization, a notary must verify that the document is signed and complete. This is crucial because the primary role of a notary is to ensure that the document being notarized meets certain legal criteria, including proper execution. A complete document signifies that all necessary fields have been filled out appropriately and that there are no missing signatures or needed information that could invalidate the notarization process.

Verifying a complete and signed document helps prevent fraud and misunderstandings that could arise if a document is not properly executed at the time of notarization. Furthermore, if the document is incomplete, the notary cannot attest to its accuracy or authenticity, which could lead to potential legal issues later on.

In contrast, the other options present scenarios that do not align with the notarial requirements. For instance, it is not a necessity for the signer to be a relative, nor is it imperative that the signer is alone when obtaining a notarization. Additionally, the font type of the document is irrelevant to the notarial process, as long as the text is legible and the document is complete. Therefore, confirming the completeness and proper signing of the document is the essential task of a notary before proceeding with the notarization.