What should a notary signing agent do if they cannot fulfill a signing appointment?

When a notary signing agent cannot fulfill a signing appointment, the most appropriate action is to notify the signing service to decline the offer. This process involves clear and timely communication with the signing service. By promptly informing them that they are unavailable, the notary helps maintain professionalism and allows the signing service to seek another signing agent as soon as possible. This ensures that the client’s needs are met without unnecessary delays.

Ignoring the signing service's request could lead to misunderstandings or logistical issues, while sending a generic decline message may lack the personal touch of communication that could foster good relationships. Waiting for the signing service to reach out again creates further delays, potentially impacting the signing itself. Therefore, directly notifying the signing service is the most effective and responsible approach in this situation.