Ohio Notary Practice Exam

Confirming the identity of the signer is a critical responsibility of a notary public when verifying a signature. This process ensures that the individual signing the document is indeed who they claim to be, which is essential for preventing fraud and ensuring the integrity of the notarization process. By validating the signer’s identity, the notary helps to establish the authenticity of the signature, which is paramount in legal transactions.

Other options do not align with the role of a notary. Advising individuals on the implications of the document or determining its legal consequences goes beyond the notary's duties and enters the realm of legal advice, which notaries are not authorized to provide. Acting as a witness to the transaction may occur in practice, but it is not the formal role of a notary when focusing specifically on signature verification. The primary function is to verify identity, making confirmation of the signer’s identity the correct focus in this context.