In Pennsylvania, what must a Notary do before commencing a notarization?

Before commencing a notarization, a Notary in Pennsylvania is required to ensure that the document has been filled out completely. This step is crucial because an incomplete document can lead to ambiguity and potential disputes about the intentions and agreements expressed within the document. By ensuring that the document is complete, the Notary helps maintain the integrity of the notarization process and reduces the chances of fraud.

While reading the entire document aloud is an option for clarity, it is not a requirement of a Notary. The presence of two witnesses is also not necessary in most cases unless specified by law for certain types of documents. Asking only for the signer’s name does not fulfill the Notary's responsibility to verify the identity of the signer thoroughly, which typically includes checking identification and ensuring the proper context of the signing. Thus, the requirement to confirm the completeness of the document is fundamental to the Notary's duties in Pennsylvania.