Florida Notary Practice Exam

When notarizing for a blind person, is the notary required to read the document aloud?

1. Yes, always

2. No, it is not required

3. Only if asked by the signer

4. Only if the document is long

The correct answer is: No, it is not required

When notarizing for a blind person, the notary is not required to read the document aloud. The notary's primary responsibility is to verify the identity of the signer and witness the signing of the document. The act of notarization does not inherently include reading the contents of the document to the signer. While it may be helpful for a notary to offer assistance if the signer requests it, the standard practice does not include a requirement to read the document in all circumstances. In situations where the signer is visually impaired, the notary should ensure that the signer understands the document they are signing, but the law does not impose an obligation to read it aloud unless specifically requested by the signer. This preserves the notary's impartiality and protects the confidentiality of the document's contents, which is crucial in practice.