What constitutes a valid notarial act in Arkansas?

A valid notarial act in Arkansas requires that the notary performs the act under their authority and verifies the identity of the signer through proper identification confirmation. This means the notary must ensure that they understand and observe the elements of the notarial process, which typically includes confirming that the signer is who they claim to be. This is critical for preventing fraud and ensuring the integrity of the notarization process.

In Arkansas, the law stipulates that a notary must witness the signing of documents or the signing of a declaration in the notary's presence. The responsibilities of the notary also include understanding their duties and ensuring compliance with state regulations. This explanation showcases the fundamental requirements of a valid notarial act, emphasizing the importance of identity verification as a core component of the notarial process.