How does a Notary ensure the signer is telling the truth?

The correct approach for a Notary to ensure that the signer is telling the truth is by compelling an affiant to truthfulness. This is rooted in the fundamental role of a Notary Public, which includes administering oaths and affirmations. When a signer appears before a Notary, the Notary administers an oath that requires the signer to affirm that the information they are providing is true. This process establishes a legal obligation on the part of the signer to be honest, as making a false statement under oath can lead to legal repercussions, including charges of perjury.

In contrast, other methods such as conducting interviews, collecting witness testimonies, or simply asking for legal documents do not directly establish a commitment to truthfulness. Interviews may help clarify a signer’s intentions or background, but they do not ensure honesty in the same way an oath does. Collecting witness testimonies may provide corroborative evidence but does not replace the obligation of the signer to be truthful. Lastly, while asking for legal documents can serve as a verification tool, it does not inherently assess the truthfulness of the signer's statements. Overall, compelling an affiant to truthfulness through an oath is the most direct and formal method that Notaries utilize to uphold the integrity of the