What actions should a notary take upon discovering an alteration to a document after notarization?

When a notary discovers an alteration to a document after it has been notarized, the proper course of action is to document the discovery and notify relevant authorities. This aligns with the notary's responsibility to ensure the integrity of the notarization process. Alterations can potentially affect the legality and enforceability of a document, and it is crucial that the notary addresses this issue transparently.

By documenting the discovery, the notary creates a record of the situation, which can be important for legal and procedural reasons. Notifying relevant authorities may include informing the signer or other stakeholders about the alteration, or in some cases, it might involve alerting law enforcement or other regulatory bodies if there is suspicion of fraud.

The correct action reflects the notary's duty to uphold trust and verify that the document's contents are accurate and unaltered, as the credibility of the notarization process depends on this integrity. Ignoring the alteration, continuing with the notarization, or consulting a lawyer without taking relevant action does not adequately address the potential legal implications of the alteration and risks compromising the notary's professional integrity.