Can a notary say no?

Asked by: Fanny Hagenes  |  Last update: October 2, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (3 votes)

Always make sure that you have good cause. You cannot turn down a request simply because of a gut feeling, a nagging suspicion or because you simply “don't like the look” of the signer. Some reasons for refusing are clear cut: Say, for example, the signer asks you to notarize his absent wife's signature.

When can a notary refuse?

The signer declines to provide a thumbprint for a transaction that requires it (applicable only in some states, including California). The signer can't or won't pay the notary's fee. The notary has reason to believe the signer is confused, disoriented, coerced, or lacking the mental capacity to sign the document.

What makes a notary invalid?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.

Why would a notary be denied?

These may include: The signer is not physically present (unless the Notary is performing a remote online notarization) The signer cannot be properly identified. The signer does not speak the same language as the Notary.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.

General Notary - Notarization when you have to say NO! Notary training=notaryeducators.com

40 related questions found

What happens if you do a notary wrong?

What happens if a notary makes a mistake? The National Notary Association suggests that even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences. The notarized document could get rejected. A mistake that results in a rejection can result in late fees and penalties on the part of the client.

What is notary misconduct?

Examples of notarial misconduct include the following: 1) the notary notarized an instrument without the signer being present; 2) the notary failed to establish the identity of the signer by satisfactory evidence; 3) the notary failed to execute proper notarial procedures; and 4) the notary knew that the document ...

What happens if a notary does not witness signature?

In fact, most state notary laws prohibit a notary from notarizing a signature if the signer is not present. Violating the personal presence requirement may result in monetary loss for the client and lead to a lawsuit against the notary or a claim against the notary's bond.

Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?

No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?

Can a bank refuse to notarize a document?

While bank notaries can handle most documents, there are some documents banks may not notarize, such as wills, codicils, and certain property deeds. Banks can also refuse to notarize a document if they suspect fraud or if the signer lacks proper identification.

How do you void a notary?

To void a notarized document, legal proceedings must be initiated, often through a petition or lawsuit. This process involves collecting evidence to support claims of fraud, coercion, or errors in the notarization.

Can a notary verify a signature?

Notaries in all states are legally responsible for verifying the identity of their signers for certain notarial acts, and they can risk civil, criminal and administrative liability if they fail to properly do so.

Can you fold a notarized document?

You can do this by folding or flipping the pages, without removing the staple. When a certified document has been tampered with, the only remedy is to start the entire notarization, county and/or state certification process all over again.

Can a document be legal without a notary?

Many types of written contracts don't require a notary public to be valid. However, if a person's signature has been notarized, generally, courts waive the legal obligation or duty to prove contract authentication. This can save you a lot of time and money.

Will a notary hold up in court?

No, notarization itself does not make a document legally binding. While it verifies the identities and consent of the signers, the enforceability of a document depends on its content and compliance with the applicable laws, among other factors. Notarization primarily enhances credibility and deters fraud.

Can you get something notarized after it is signed?

No, notarization rules vary by jurisdiction. Some states, like California, require the notary to witness the signature, whereas others, like Texas, allow acknowledgment of a pre-existing signature.

In which of the following situations should a notary decline to complete a notarization?

You may decline to perform a notarial act if: The notary believes that the transaction is fraudulent in some way. The document is not eligible to have a notarial act performed over it, i.e. The notary has not been given all the pages of the document.

Can a notary have a record?

States That Require Notary Publics To Keep a Record Book:

California. Colorado. Delaware. District of Columbia.

Can you refuse to do a notary?

In order to properly refuse a notarization, you should have one or more reasons to do so that can be objectively articulated in your journal. In other words, you should be able to explain why you are refusing to notarize. If you can't explain it, then you don't have a sufficient basis to do it.

How often do notaries make mistakes?

Notary mistakes and errors increase the number of rejected documents. Most rejected documents contain minor or major notarization mistakes. On average, 30% of notarized documents contain mistakes. But depending on your county and state, this rejection rate can vary.

What questions does a notary ask?

The most common questions Notaries ask
  • What is an acceptable ID? This clearly takes the top spot. ...
  • Can I notarize this document? This is a frequent question asked by both new and experienced Notaries. ...
  • What kind of notarization is required? ...
  • How do I complete the notarial certificate?

What are the liabilities of a notary?

A notary public is always liable for all actions, whether intentional or unintentional. This liability is unlimited to financial losses and damages.

Which of the following offenses cancels a notary application?

The examples include but are not limited to: assault, arson, auto theft, burglary, possession or sale of illegal drugs, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, failure to pay child support or failure to comply with a court order.

Can you break a notarized agreement?

There is a huge misconceptions that if individuals go and get a document notarized everything is good, but that is not the case because the notarized document is not a court order, it is an agreement between the parties, but ultimately it cannot be enforced because it is not signed off by a judge.