Why might notaries generally be unable to notarize a document?

Notaries must ensure that the documents they are requested to notarize meet certain requirements, and one of the key factors is the presence of a notarial certificate. A notarial certificate provides essential information about the notarial act, such as the date of notarization, the name of the signer, the type of notarial act performed, and other pertinent details that confirm the legitimacy of the transaction.

When a document lacks a notarial certificate or appears incomplete, it raises concerns about the validity and the legal implications of the notarization. Without this certificate, the notary cannot fulfill their responsibilities to verify the identity of the signer or understand the context of the document. This incompleteness can lead to issues regarding the authenticity of the signing process, which is why a notary would be unable to proceed with the notarization in such cases.

To summarize, the absence of a notarial certificate directly impairs the notary's ability to perform their duties accurately and legally, necessitating the conclusion that they cannot notarize that particular document without the proper information.