Can a California Notary Public perform notarial acts for a relative?

In California, a Notary Public is prohibited from performing notarial acts for relatives primarily to avoid any conflicts of interest. The law aims to ensure that notaries maintain impartiality and objectivity in their duties. When a notary has a personal relationship with a person seeking a notarization, it might compromise their ability to act neutrally and fairly. This is especially important in notarial practices, where the intent is to create reliable and trustworthy records. By disallowing such transactions, the commission seeks to uphold the integrity of the notarial process.

Other options suggest varying degrees of permission or exceptions that do not align with the established legal framework governing notarial acts in California. The aim is to maintain the highest standards of impartiality and prevent any potential biases or ethical dilemmas that could arise when a notary is related to a party involved in the transaction.