What must a Notary do before performing a notarization?

Before performing a notarization, it is essential for a notary to verify the identity of the signer. This step is critical to ensure that the person who is signing the document is indeed who they claim to be. Identity verification helps maintain the integrity of the notarization process and prevents fraud.

When a notary verifies identity, they typically check government-issued identification, such as a driver's license or passport, which should contain a photo and signature that can be matched to the individual present. This practice is a fundamental responsibility of the notary, as they are tasked with ensuring that the signer understands the document they are executing and is doing so willingly and without coercion.

The other options may involve processes relevant to specific situations or businesses but are not mandated requirements for notarization. For instance, asking for payment details is typically a transactional matter rather than a legal requirement, filling out a questionnaire is not standard practice and could vary by jurisdiction or situation, and scheduling a follow-up appointment is not related to the notarization process itself. The primary focus should remain on verifying the signer's identity to uphold the legal and ethical standards of notarization.