What should a notary do if presented with an incomplete document?

When a notary is presented with an incomplete document, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize the document. This is crucial because notarization requires that the document is complete and valid to ensure that all relevant information is clear and transparent. If a notary were to notarize an incomplete document, they might inadvertently facilitate fraud or lead to disputes regarding the document's validity and the intentions of the parties involved.

By refusing to notarize, the notary upholds their responsibility to act impartially and ensures that they do not participate in any potential deceit. This practice protects both the notary and the individuals involved, as it reinforces the integrity of the notarization process. In addition, by refusing, the notary encourages the signer to properly complete the document and ensures that all necessary details are accurately conveyed.

In this context, completing the document themselves, notarizing it anyway, or simply requesting the signer to fill in the missing information could lead to ethical issues or potential legal complications, making it vital for the notary to adhere to best practices by refusing to notarize until the document is complete.