What must a notary confirm in addition to verifying identity before notarization?

A notary public must confirm that the signer understands the contents of the document being notarized in addition to verifying their identity. This step ensures that the signer is making an informed decision and consents to the document's terms voluntarily. It serves to protect the notary and the integrity of the notarization process, as a notary should not proceed if the signer appears confused or unaware of what they are signing.

Confirming understanding is particularly important because it mitigates the risk of fraud and coercion. If a signer does not comprehend the document, they may not be fully aware of their rights and obligations, which could lead to legal disputes later.

The other options, while potentially relevant to certain contexts, do not align with the notary's primary responsibilities. Understanding the legal implications of the document or assessing the signer's financial situation is beyond the notary's required duties and could fall under legal advice, which a notary is not authorized to provide. Similarly, reviewing the signer's signature history does not pertain to the notary's role in the notarization process. The focus remains on the identity verification and ensuring that the individual understands the document being signed.