Before notarizing any document, the notary public should ____ the document and ascertain whether there are interlineations, erasures, or other changes.

• A. Inspect
• B. Review
• C. Examine
• D. Assess

Answer: (A)

Notaries must verify the document’s integrity before notarization by inspecting it for any interlineations, erasures, or other changes. This careful check helps ensure you’re notarizing the exact document the signer approved and that no unauthorized alterations have been made after signing. If you find changes, the proper step is to address them—such as having the changes initialed or the document re-executed—before proceeding with the notarization. This practice protects the validity of the notarial act and reduces the risk of fraud. While words like review or examine are close in meaning, inspect conveys a more deliberate, hands-on look at the document’s physical state and content.