Which statement best describes the difference between an acknowledgment and a proof of execution?

• A. A proof of execution verify identity.
• B. An acknowledgment verifies identity and signing; a proof of execution verifies signing on behalf of another.
• C. An acknowledgment verifies identity only.
• D. An acknowledgment and a proof of execution are the same.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is the notary’s witnessing of the signing. An acknowledgment is used when the person whose signature appears on the document personally appears before the notary, is identified, and acknowledges to the notary that they signed the document for its stated purpose. The notary thus verifies the signer’s identity and witnesses the act of signing in person. A proof of execution is used when the signer does not appear before the notary; instead, a credible witness (or a person signing on behalf of the signer) attests that the named person executed the instrument, and the notary certifies that fact. So, the main difference is presence and witnessing: acknowledgment involves the signer’s appearance and acknowledgment of signing, while proof of execution covers signing done without the signer’s presence, typically via witnesses.