A notarized document containing unauthorized or altered terms may not be enforceable, even though notarization verifies the authenticity of the signature and the identity of the signer. Notarization itself does not guarantee that the terms of the document are legal, authorized, or unaltered. The enforceability depends primarily on whether the document meets all legal requirements for a valid contract or agreement, including the legitimacy of its terms.

Key points to consider:

• Notarization confirms the signer’s identity and that the signature was made willingly, but it does not validate the content or legality of the terms inside the document.
• If terms are unauthorized, altered, or fraudulent, the document can be challenged and potentially invalidated in court despite notarization.
• Notaries are legally prohibited from knowingly notarizing documents with false or altered information. Doing so can lead to severe penalties, including criminal charges, fines, and loss of commission.
• Courts may reject or refuse to enforce a notarized document if it contains unauthorized alterations or if the notarization process was compromised by fraud or negligence.

In summary, while notarization adds a layer of authenticity to the signature and helps prevent fraud, it does not make a document enforceable if the terms themselves are unauthorized or altered. The legal validity and enforceability depend on the substance of the document and compliance with applicable laws, not just the notarization.