Ace the New York State Notary Practice Exam 2026 – Seal Your Success Today!

A notary public can refuse to notarize a document if they suspect the document is fraudulent. This is a crucial responsibility of notaries, as their role is to ensure the integrity of the notarization process. If a notary has reasonable grounds to believe that a document is not genuine or that it is intended to perpetrate a fraud, they must decline to perform the notarization. This duty helps protect the public from potential fraud and maintains the credibility of the notarization process.

The notary's obligation is to verify that the signer is who they claim to be and that the document is legitimate. If there are signs of deceit, such as inconsistencies in the document or suspicious behavior from the signer, it is appropriate for the notary to refuse to notarize. This decision not only safeguards the parties involved but also upholds the ethical standards of the notarial profession.

The other options do not provide valid grounds for refusal in the context of notarial duties. Friendship does not influence professional responsibilities, and a document's foreign language does not inherently suggest it should not be notarized—the notary may still be able to verify the identity of the signer and the authenticity of the document. Lastly, a lateness in appointment generally does not constitute a