What is a best practice for notaries when performing their duties?

Consistently following established procedures is crucial for notaries in their duties. This practice ensures that all notarial acts are performed legally and ethically, protecting both the notary and the individuals involved in the transaction. Adhering to established procedures helps maintain the integrity of the notarial process, supports the accuracy of the notarization, and safeguards against fraud and misinterpretation of documents.

By consistently applying these procedures, notaries create a reliable framework for their work, which includes properly identifying signers, verifying their willingness to sign, and documenting the notarization accurately in their record book. This approach not only builds trust in the notary's work but also helps to avoid potential legal issues that could arise from negligence or non-compliance with state laws.

In contrast, relying on memory for procedures can lead to errors and omissions that can compromise the notarization process. Not asking for identification from signers increases the risk of fraud and invalidates the notarial act, while performing notarizations in an informal setting can compromise the validity of the notarization and may not be compliant with legal requirements. Thus, the best practice emphasizes the importance of adhering to established and recognized procedures.