Can a notary notarize a blank or incomplete document?

• A. Yes, if the signer is present
• B. Notarize, but only the signature
• C. No
• D. Only if the document is properly filled afterward

Answer: (C)

Notarization hinges on the document being complete and the signer’s appearance being verified. If a document is blank or incomplete, someone could fill in or alter content after the notarization, making the notary’s certificate apply to information that wasn’t present when the act occurred. That undermines the integrity of the notarial act and can enable fraud. Because of this, a notary should not proceed with notarizing a blank or incomplete document and should require the document to be fully filled in before witnessing the signature and applying the seal. If the document isn’t ready, the notary should request completion and reschedule, rather than notarize something with blanks.