Utah Notary Practice Test

How does a notary demonstrate the authenticity of a signature?

1. By certifying the notary seal is official

2. By witnessing the signing and taking an oath or affirmation

3. By keeping a copy of the document signed

4. By confirming identity only through documents

The correct answer is: By witnessing the signing and taking an oath or affirmation

A notary demonstrates the authenticity of a signature primarily by witnessing the signing of the document and taking an oath or affirmation from the signer. This process involves the notary being present when the individual signs the document, which ensures that the signature is executed freely and willingly. By administering an oath or affirmation, the notary confirms the signer’s intention to affirm the contents of the document, further solidifying the legitimacy of the signature. While keeping a copy of the signed document can be a practice for record-keeping purposes, it does not inherently ensure the authenticity of the signature at the time of signing. Similarly, while confirming identity is a crucial aspect of the notarial process, it is the act of witnessing the signing that is essential for establishing that a signature is both genuine and correctly attributed to the signer. Therefore, witnessing the signing along with taking an oath or affirmation is the key element that makes the signature valid and authentic in the eyes of the law.