What action is not permitted by a notary in terms of a notarization?

A notary is bound by specific guidelines when performing notarizations, and one of the critical rules is that they must sign any documents with the exact name as it appears on their commission. This ensures consistency and clarity in their official capacity and upholds the integrity of the notarization process.

When a notary fails to sign their name as it appears on their commission, it undermines the authenticity of the notarial act and could lead to questions regarding the legitimacy of the notarization. This practice also helps prevent fraud and ensures that the notary's identity is verifiable.

In contrast, taking an acknowledgment of a document, administering an oath to a signer, and witnessing a signature are all actions that a notary is authorized to perform, provided they follow the relevant laws and guidelines. These activities are fundamental to a notary's duties and responsibilities.