What happens if a notary seals a document after the signer has left?

• A. Seal the document after the signer leaves if there is another witness.
• B. Do not seal or certify after the signer departs; the act must occur with the signer present.
• C. Seal the document and proceed even if the signer has departed.
• D. Permit sealing if the signer provided verbal consent.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that a notary’s seal and certification are valid only when the signer is physically present before the notary. The notary must witness the signing (or the signer’s acknowledgment) and verify identity at that moment. If the signer leaves before the notary completes the notarization, there is no witnessed act to certify, so sealing would be improper. In such cases, the notarization should not be completed until the signer returns and signs in the notary’s presence. Verbal consent or additional witnesses do not substitute for the signer’s actual presence.