New York State Notary Practice Exam 2025 - Free Notary Practice Questions and Study Guide

A notary can verify that a signer is competent primarily by ensuring that the signer understands the document they are signing. Competence in this context relates to the signer's mental ability to comprehend the nature of the transaction and the effects of signing the document. This means that the notary should engage the signer in a conversation about the document to confirm their understanding and to ascertain that they are acting voluntarily and without confusion.

While asking for identification can help verify the identity of the signer, it does not assess their mental competency or understanding of what they are signing. Checking the age of the signer is also insufficient because mere age does not guarantee that an individual is competent to understand the document; some individuals may lack the cognitive ability regardless of age. Observing the signature style may provide insights into the signer’s identity or authenticity of the signature, but it does not indicate whether the signer fully grasps the implications of the document.

Thus, engaging the signer in a way that confirms their understanding of the document is essential for the notary to fulfill their duty responsibly and ensures that the legal process reflects the informed consent of all parties involved.