Broken Fingers-Cannot Sign?

From a smashed finger, carpal tunnel or cerebral palsy, there are many things that can cause a Signer to be physically unable to sign their name. Not to worry!

Under no circumstances will the Notary physically touch and guide the Signer, but as long as the Signer is competent and ID has been verified, there are several options to notarize in this situation. One is ‘signature by mark’, where they make a mark on the paper in front of 2 disinterested witnesses. Another is ‘attorney in fact’, someone who has been granted Power of Attorney who can sign for a disabled person. If they cannot make any kind of mark, they must direct the notary to sign in their presence as a ‘signature by proxy’, again in front of 2 witnesses. These alternate signers and witnesses must also complete the Notary Journal record.