Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What should a notary do if they notice a blank space on the document?

1. Fill it in themselves

2. Suggest to the signer how to fill it

3. Refer the signer to the appropriate agency for guidance

4. Ignore it if it seems unimportant

The correct answer is: Refer the signer to the appropriate agency for guidance

Referring the signer to the appropriate agency for guidance is the correct course of action when a notary encounters a blank space on a document. This approach ensures that the signer receives accurate and relevant information from an authoritative source that is knowledgeable about the specific requirements for the document in question. Notaries are responsible for ensuring the integrity of the notarization process, and part of that responsibility involves not interjecting their own opinions or filling in any information themselves, as this could lead to legal issues or the alteration of the intent of the document. As a notary, it is crucial to maintain neutrality and avoid any actions that could be perceived as unauthorized practice of law or could affect the validity of the document. Suggesting how to fill it in or filling it in themselves can create liability for the notary and could compromise the accuracy of the document. Ignoring the blank space could also lead to problems later on if that area of the document is significant for legal purposes, so it is always better to guide the signer towards obtaining the correct information from a qualified source.