In a notarial certification, identification or description of which item must be placed in close proximity to the notarial act?

• A. The signer
• B. The oath
• C. The document
• D. The witness

Answer: (C)

The notarial act is attached to and certifies a specific document, so the instrument itself must be identified or described right where the notarial certificate is placed. This direct tie between the certificate (and the seal) and the document makes it clear exactly which document was notarized, preventing confusion if multiple papers are present or later separated. The signer’s identity is verified with acceptable ID, and in some cases an oath or a witness may be involved, but the item that needs to be described near the notarial act is the document being notarized.