What must be present for an acknowledgment to be valid?

For an acknowledgment to be valid, the presence of a notary is essential. An acknowledgment is a formal declaration made by an individual before an authorized person, typically a notary public, affirming that they signed a document voluntarily and for the intended purpose. This procedure ensures the authenticity of the signature and the identity of the signer, thereby providing legal assurance that the document is valid and can be recorded or used in legal proceedings.

The other choices do not fulfill the essential criteria for a valid acknowledgment. A witness, while important in certain situations, does not replace the need for a notary in the acknowledgment process. Similarly, having a signed contract or a recorded deed is not sufficient on its own for validity; these documents can exist without being duly acknowledged. Thus, the requirement for a notary is crucial in establishing the formal integrity of the acknowledgment.