According to USPAP, when may an appraiser not affix the signature of another appraiser?

An appraiser may not affix the signature of another appraiser without that appraiser's consent, as this principle upholds the integrity and accountability of the appraisal process. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) emphasizes the importance of ensuring that both the intent and agreement between appraisers are honored, which includes the signature. Affixing another's signature without their explicit permission can lead to misrepresentation and ethical violations since it implies that the other appraiser agrees with the contents of the report or validates the appraiser's work without having provided their input or endorsement.

Consent is a fundamental aspect of professional ethics, requiring that all parties involved in the appraisal process are aware and agreeable to the information and conclusions represented in the appraisal report. This ensures transparency and protects the interests of clients and the public, which is a critical component of maintaining trust in appraisals.

The other options, while they address important aspects of professional conduct, do not encompass the key requirement of consent when it comes to signing on behalf of another appraiser. Legal authorization pertains to compliance with laws, prior notification relates to communication practices, and a joint scenario describes collaborative work, but none are as central to the ethical responsibility concerning the use of another's signature as obtaining consent.