What is the required action when adding a Notary Seal to a document?

The requirement to ensure that the document is signed before sealing is essential in notary practice to maintain the integrity of the notarization process. When a notary applies their seal to a document, it serves as verification that the signatories appear before them and that their signatures were affixed in their presence. If the document is not signed prior to sealing, the notarization can be rendered invalid because it would imply that the notary’s role and acknowledgment of the signatory's identity and willingness to sign were fulfilled incorrectly or incompletely. Thus, signing the document before applying the notary seal validates the entire process, ensuring that the seal reflects a proper notarization.