Can a Notary Public refuse to notarize a document?

A Notary Public has the legal right to refuse to notarize a document under certain circumstances, primarily when there is a suspicion of fraud or if the signer does not meet the necessary identification requirements. This responsibility is crucial for the integrity of the notarial process. By ensuring that the signer is who they claim to be, the notary helps prevent fraudulent activities. Additionally, if there are any doubts or concerns about the coercion or the understanding of the signer's actions regarding the document, the notary is justified in declining to provide their services.

The option suggesting that a notary must notarize any document presented misrepresents the duties of a notary, as this role involves both legal obligations and ethical considerations aimed at protecting all parties involved. The idea that a notary can only refuse based on the residency of the signer overlooks the broader responsibilities that notaries bear regarding identity verification and the prevention of fraud. Lastly, stating that a notary can only refuse to notarize if the document is incomplete simplifies the decision-making process and ignores other key factors that may raise red flags for the notary during the notarization process.