An acknowledgment of an individual acting by power of attorney should ____________ be notarized unless the notary is completely satisfied that the attorney-in-fact does indeed have the authority to sign the instrument for the individual executing the instrument, and that the power of the attorney is in full force and effect.

• A. never
• B. always
• C. sometimes
• D. usually

Answer: (A)

Notaries confirm that a signer has real authority when someone signs on another person’s behalf under a power of attorney. Because the power of attorney grants the agent authority to act for the principal, a notary should only notarize an acknowledgment on behalf of the principal if the agent’s authority is clearly proven and currently in effect. If there is any doubt about the agent’s power or whether the power is still valid, the notary must not proceed with the notarization. This safeguards against fraud and ensures the document is executed properly.

So, an acknowledgment for someone acting under a power of attorney should not be notarized by default; it should be done only when the notary is completely satisfied that the attorney-in-fact has the authority to sign for the principal and that the power is in effect.