Do notaries need to verify the competence of signers during a Remote Online Notary session?

The correct answer highlights the essential duty of notaries to ensure that signers comprehend the documents they are signing during a Remote Online Notary session. This responsibility is crucial as it upholds the integrity of the notarization process. A notary's role includes confirming the signer's identity and ensuring they are signing voluntarily and with a clear understanding of the implications of the documents. If a signer is unaware of what they are signing, it can lead to misunderstandings or disputes regarding the notarized document's validity later on.

In a Remote Online Notary context, this verification of competence can involve asking the signer questions to gauge their understanding and ensuring that they are capable of making informed decisions. This duty helps protect the notary from liability and supports the principle of a legally binding agreement, which requires that all parties fully understand the terms being executed.

Other responses indicate differing levels of responsibility, but they overlook the fundamental role the notary plays in safeguarding the integrity of the notarization process by ensuring signers are competent and understand their actions.