Can a notary notarize a blank document or one with blank spaces?

A notary should never notarize a document with blank spaces that affect the content. The reasoning: blank spaces can be filled in after notarization to alter the document's meaning, transferring property or commitments the signer never intended. The notary's certification creates a presumption of authenticity that fraudsters can exploit. Proper practice: (1) Review the document before notarizing; (2) Refuse to notarize if there are blanks in the substance of the document (amount fields, names, dates, etc.); (3) Ask the signer to either complete the blanks or mark them as 'N/A' (not applicable) or strike them through; (4) The notarial certificate itself is the exception — it is filled in by the notary as part of the notarial act. Some documents legitimately have blank spaces (form contracts with optional sections) — these should be marked as 'N/A' or struck through before notarizing. When in doubt, refuse. The signer can complete the document and return; this protects both the signer and the notary.