Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

A notary public has the authority to refuse to notarize a document under certain circumstances, primarily when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that fraud may be involved or if the notary cannot adequately verify the identity of the signer. This duty to refuse is grounded in the notary's role to prevent fraudulent activities and to ensure that the notarization process is carried out ethically and legally.

For instance, if the person presenting the document is not able to provide valid identification or if the notary believes that the signer does not understand the contents of the document, the notary can, and should, decline to proceed with the notarization. This practice helps protect not only the integrity of the notary profession but also serves to safeguard the public from possible fraud.

Other options present scenarios that either misrepresent the requirements of a notary or do not align with the ethical obligations surrounding the notarization process. It is crucial for notaries to act judiciously to uphold the trust placed in them by the public and to adhere to the legal standards set forth in their training and practice.